(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON: February 5, 2016): In their annual Shoot for the Cure event the Algoma Thunderbirds took on the Waterloo Warriors and cruised to back-to-back wins at the GLC.
With the power of pink uniforms, the Algoma Thunderbirds women’s squad jumped out to an early lead after Sydney Resch drained a long three. Algoma went on an early 8-point run forcing a Waterloo Warrior timeout. Waterloo chipped into the deficit but Algoma continued to pull ahead. Algoma showed off crisper passing, impressive three-point shooting, and better defence – an improvement from last weekend’s performance against the Guelph Gryphons. Algoma drove hard to the post, drawing offensive fouls to control the first frame, 22-13. Waterloo turned up the pressure in the second quarter but Algoma continued to bleed Waterloo, running up the score, earning points off of fast breaks and turnovers. Algoma cruised to an 18-point cushion, 40-22 going into the half. Algoma shot an impressive 44 percent from inside and 46 percent from outside in the first half.
In the second, Waterloo regrouped, playing better defense, forcing Algoma to run out the shot clock. Waterloo applied full court pressure trying to stop the Thunderbirds from further pulling ahead, but Algoma continued their hot hand from beyond the arc. Waterloo crawled their way back down the stretch, going on a 10-point run, cutting the deficit down to just 10 points. Algoma retaliated, controlling the pace, out-shooting and out-rebounding the visitors. Algoma snapped their losing streak, rolling past Waterloo 77-61.
Marlee Ball earned a season high 23 points and 8 boards in the win. Karissa Kajorinne chipped in with 15 points and 6 rebounds in the win. Waterloo’s Kristen Obsorne put up 26 points and 12 boards in their losing effort. Algoma shot 45 percent from the paint, 46 percent from beyond the arc.
This was the second win for the Algoma Thunderbirds women’s team since joining the OUA. This is the second consecutive win for the Thunderbirds in their annual Shoot for the Cure event.
Algoma improves to 1-12 while Waterloo falls to 2-12 in the OUA West.
Brett Zufelt in the Thunderbirds’ Shoot for the Cure event. Photo credit: Kenneth Armstrong.
In their pink uniforms, the Algoma Thunderbirds men’s squad jumped out to an early 14-7 lead against the Waterloo Warriors. The black and gold battled back to even the game at 16. Waterloo edged ahead by one point before both teams went cold for over a minute. Andre Barber’s long three returned the lead back in favour of the home squad, 20-18, going into the second quarter. In the second, the teams changed baskets to the bitter end with Algoma edging ahead 38-36 to open the second half.
Algoma opened the third with a 22-3 point run to pull away from the Warriors, 60-39. Algoma controlled the defensive and offensive glass. Waterloo struggled to keep pace, turning over the ball. Algoma continued to cruise, widening the gap to 22 points. Jacob Clendinning went hot hitting back to back threes. Waterloo’s bench boss earned a technical, allowing brother Sean Clendinning to bleed Waterloo further. The black and gold earned another technical but Sean Clendinning failed to drain the shot from the charity stripe. Algoma went into the final 10 minutes with a comfortable 26-point lead. Algoma shot an impressive 58 percent from the arc in the third. The Thunderbirds opened the fourth with another 9-point run, giving Algoma a 31-point lead. Waterloo chipped into the deficit while Algoma went cold for 4 minutes. Eric Thompson went 2-2 from the charity stripe breaking Algoma’s cold snap. The Thunderbirds continued to pull away, running past the Warriors 96-68.
Sean Clendinning led the Tbirds with 23 points. Andre Barber, Jacob Clendinning, and Brett Zufelt also had double digits in the win. Algoma shot 48 percent from the field. Dylan Phillips led Waterloo with 16 points.
This is the third consecutive win for the Thunderbirds in their annual Shoot for the Cure event.
Algoma improves to 2-11 while Waterloo falls to 1-13 in the OUA West.
Gate proceeds from tonight’s games were donated to the Canadian Cancer Society. At half-time, alumna Kathleen Hodgson and Asha Leahy cut and donated their hair to Locks of Love. The haircuts were generously donated by Casey Barry of The Hair Emporium. The Thunderbirds raised just under $1,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.
The Thunderbirds take on the Warriors again tomorrow evening in the GLC. Game times are 6:00pm (women) and 8:00pm (men).
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.
