Sault College sweeps Algoma (UPDATED)

The Sault College Cougars were all smiles on Friday night after sweeping the first round of this season's battle in the Sault.

Playing their crosstown rivals from Algoma University, the Cougar women gained a 57-48 win over the Thunderbirds while the Cougar men scored an 85-71 victory in Ontario Colleges Athletic Association basketball action at Algoma's George Leach Centre.

The win improves the men's record at Sault College to 4-2 while the lady Cougars gained their first OCAA win after rejoining the league this season after a 20-year absence and sit at 1-5.

Both Algoma squads remain in search of their first victories of the year as both teams stand at 0-6.

The teams will get familiar with each other again to begin the second half of the season on January 10th as Sault College will host the second half the home-and-home series.

In the men's contest, Ron Kelly poured in 24 points to pace the Cougars offense while Ryan Court added 23 and Nathan Whalen 13.

Paul Best had a solid game for Algoma scoring a game high 27 points while Jason Trinier added 16 and Greg Sirie 11.

The Cougars dominated the opening half and stretched a growing lead to 24 points by halftime at 49-25.

But the Thunderbirds came soaring back in the second half and took advantage of some Sault College lapses to eventually pull to within eight points with over three minutes remaining in the game.

Sault College managed to rebound from the lull and sink some key shots down the stretch to claim the win. Algoma outscored the Cougars 46-36 in the second half.

"It's tough when you get ahead by 20 points. You try and stretch the lead even more but a couple of bad passes or missed assignments on defense and all of a sudden the lead is down to 10. We did the same thing in Redeemer, we built a big 20 point lead and had trouble building on it," said Cougars head coach Tom Cory.

"I enjoy this rivalry because it bring fans out and it's good for basketball in the city but we all have friends on that team over there that you don't really like going against. But I think every game is becoming a rivalry for us because other schools now look out for us and want to beat us because we are one of the better teams.

"We are getting better and we are getting up there with the Lambton's and the Sheridan's. There was no rivalry before because we were at the bottom, now we compete with these guys as we take that step to the next level."

Algoma head coach Enzo Torcaso was upbeat following the game and was very pleased and encouraged with his team's performance in the second half.

"We came back and never gave up. We need to work on some things like focus and mental preparation but we saw what we were capable of in the second half. But their height gave us some problems although I didn't feel like the beat us inside with their athleticism," said Torcaso.

"We're looking forward to seeing them again to start the second half of the season because we're excited with what happened in the second half. It's a fun rivalry. It packs the gym and it brings the students together and out to the games."

In the women's contest, Lyndsey Carlyle scored 15 points to led the Cougars while Jennifer Ross added 12. Jessica King led Algoma with 14 points while Kristen Chaimbrone added nine.

After the teams played to a 26-26 tie at the half, the Cougars took control of the game in the second half with a 16-0 run to take a commanding 42-30 lead.

Algoma was forced to play the majority of the game without top post players Roberta Reid and Jessica King as Reid fouled out in the first half and King fell into foul trouble early. Cougars veteran forward Carly Uhlman also experienced foul trouble and didn't see as much action on the court.

"We had to play with who we had I don't think that we played that bad," said Thunderbirds head coach Dave Bourgeault. "I felt we needed to come out with more intensity but in order to do that we need to show more intensity in practise. You can't just go through the motions in practise because it doesn't prepare you for game situations where things don't come easily."

Cougars coach Randy Russon felt his team was able to wear down Algoma in the second half and he expects a much tougher battle when the teams meet again next month.

"We were tied at 26 at the half but we could sense that they were getting tired. Once we went on that 16-0 run we knew we would be able to control the outcome if we stayed under control. You do get a little nervous though because after losing your five games you kind of need to learn how to win again," said Russon.

"I knew this would be a tough game heading in. Both teams were looking for their first wins heading as we hadn't won yet in our first year and Algoma was 0-25. We figured it was going to be an emotional game for them with Stella (Viotto) playing her last game. She is their leader and we knew Algoma would be hungry to get their captain a win.

"We have to be even more ready next game. Nobody likes to losing their own house and I know Dave Bourgeault will has his team ready to come into our gym and do the same. They don't have a bad team over there and with any luck I think both teams could have easily been 2-3 heading into this series."

*** STELLA CAREER:

Friday's game marked the last for Algoma captain Stella Viotto, who graduates with her second degree at the end of the fall semester.

Viotto, who will remain with the team as an assistant coach, has been the team leader since their inception into the OCAA two-and-a-half years ago and was honoured by the school during a halftime presentation during the men's game.

"It's hard to take right now," said an emotional Viotto following the game. "You give it your all and your best every game and you still come up short.

"But I had a great experience here. I was happy to be a part of the school and to be a part of the beginning of this program. I think we are getting better and we will be able to attract more players in the future and develop something good here. We haven't won a league game yet but it is coming. There is a lot of heart on this team."

Bourgeault is disappointed to lose his captain but enjoyed the opportunity to work with Viotto from the beginning.

"Stella has a positive attitude and works hard on the floor at all times. She was our captain and the others on the team respected that.

"If there is anything I could wanted more from her it might have been to get on the other players a little more. But she is just the nicest person and I don't think she would do anything to make someone else feel bad."

The 23 year-old Viotto advanced to the Thunderbirds program after a solid five year playing career at St. Mary's.