Thunderbirds win first-ever back-to-back games since joining OUA

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA UNIVERSITY

***************************
Thunderbirds win first-ever back-to-back games since joining OUA

SAULT STE. MARIE - For the first time ever since joining the OUA in 2013, the Algoma Thunderbirds men’s basketball team won back-to-back games, defeating the Waterloo Warriors in their doubleheader weekend at home.

The Thunderbirds handed Waterloo their second loss of the weekend tonight, 81-68.

“It’s the first time we’ve ever won back-to-back on a weekend,” said Head Coach Thomas Cory after tonight’s win. “It shows the hard work that our boys have been putting in, and I think their effort really has been showing since Christmas. We want to keep this momentum going. The outlook for the rest of the season is looking good. We want to enjoy this weekend’s wins, but we’re already thinking about next weekend when we have some tough games. They’re tough but definitely winnable. We’ve just got to keep working day by day. Our competitiveness is definitely starting to show every day and these wins will give us the confidence we need to keep going.”

Algoma opened strong, going on a 9-1 run. Up by 10, Algoma then went cold allowing Waterloo to claw their way back, 18-17, going into the second frame.

Going uncontested from inside and outside, Waterloo got into a rhythm, driving past Algoma.

A long three from Adam Benrabah leveled the game at 26.

The teams exchanged leads down the stretch until a runaway layup from Jacob Clendinning gave Algoma a three-point advantage they would hold onto going into the second half.

Waterloo shot an impressive 57 percent from beyond the arc in the first half.

Both teams continued to battle into the third with neither team able to pull away.

A key steal from Jacob Clendinning allowed Algoma to widen the gap, going into the final 10 minutes leading 58-54.

Algoma got into a rhythm and went on a 15-4 run to give them their biggest lead since the first quarter, 73-58.

Controlling the offensive and defensive glass, Algoma continued to cruise, winning their second consecutive game of the weekend, 81-68.

Andre Barber led both squads with 23 points and nine rebounds, bringing his weekend total to 37 points and 15 rebounds.

Jacob Clendinning earned 15 points for a weekend total of 25. His steals were pivotal in both weekend's wins, changing both games in favour of the Tbirds.

Brother Sean Clendinning chipped in with 14, bringing his weekend total to 37.

Reng Gum earned 11 rebounds.

Algoma improves to 3-11 while Waterloo falls to 1-14 in the OUA West.

Coming off their big first season win last night in their annual Shoot for the Cure event, the Algoma Thunderbirds women’s team looked to earn their second win in their doubleheader weekend against the Waterloo Warriors.

Unable to hold off the Warriors in the fourth, Algoma fell 73-66.

Looking tired after last night’s showdown, both Algoma and Waterloo were slow to start.

Algoma got into a rhythm first, edging ahead of the black and gold.

Waterloo kept it close, trailing by 4 at the buzzer, 14-10. Waterloo showed off greater physicality and aggression from the previous night’s performance, but still had troubles finding the basket.

Algoma got hot in the fifth minute, going on a 12-point run, to give them their largest lead of the game, 30-17.

Waterloo battled back, cutting the deficit down to 4, trailing 31-27 going into the third frame.

Waterloo came out of the locker room firing, battling hard to level the game at 37.

Algoma struggled to put up points and stop the fast break of the Warriors.

Waterloo exploded, edging past the Tbirds for the first time since the first quarter, forcing an Algoma timeout.

Out of steam, Algoma turned over the ball and failed to make connections.

Waterloo continued to drive, outshooting and out-rebounding the red and white, pulling ahead 51-44 going into the final minutes.

Algoma relied on outside shooting to put up points, getting within 2 of the visitors.

Both teams fought hard, exchanging buckets down the stretch, but Algoma was unable to capitalize on all shooting opportunities.

With just four seconds left of play, Algoma was down 4.

Unable to hold off Waterloo, Algoma fell 73-66.

Karissa Kajorinne led the Tbirds with 15 points and two boards, followed by Laura Meadows with 13 points and four rebounds.

Sydney Resch and Marlee Ball both chipped in with 12.

Waterloo’s Nicole Schlick led both squads with 18 points.

Algoma falls to 1-13 while Waterloo falls to 3-12 in the OUA West.

The Thunderbirds head to Toronto next weekend to take on the Toronto Varsity Blues and the Ryerson Rams.

They will also be taking part in the NBA All-Star weekend in Toronto.

About Algoma University

Algoma University was established in 1965 and is located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

Algoma University is a small, undergraduate, teaching-focused university that places an emphasis on serving the needs of Northern Ontario.

Algoma University offers a wide range of degrees spanning the liberal arts, sciences, and professional disciplines.

As a partner with Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, Algoma University has a special mission to cultivate cross-cultural learning between Aboriginal populations and other communities.

Algoma University also offers satellite programming in Brampton and Timmins.

For more information, please visit www.algomau.ca.

***************************