MBB | Exciting Finish Gives Voyageurs the Victory in Season Opener

The Laurentian University Men's Basketball team opened their season at home tonight taking on the Western Mustangs. Propelled by a 14 point second half comeback the Voyageurs notched their first win of the season 77-73 over the Mustangs. The comeback was spearheaded by two Vees' freshmen; guard Kadre Gray (25 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists) and forward Josis Thomas (18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists) both from Toronto. 

The Vee's got off to a slow start, unable to create chances or capitalize on the ones they had. While no fault of the Voyageurs' defense, the Mustangs took this opportunity and struck first and often. Eriq Jenkins led Western with 11 first half points. The second quarter was a poor defensive showing by Voyageurs, who allowed 26 points in the frame. Perhaps affected by opening game jitters, Laurentian returned to the locker room facing a 14 point deficit.

The second half is when the offense started to jell for LU. Gone were the missed open baskets and slow developing plays, now replaced by steady buckets. While the Mustangs kept up their pace initially, they seemed to let up in the closing quarter as if confident their 10 point lead would hold up. With the deficit now at 2, Gray hit a three point shot to give the Voyageurs their first lead of the game with 33 seconds remaining. After adding to the lead with four made free throws, the Voyageurs had officially capped off the stunning comeback.

The Voyageurs will look to sweep the opening weekend when they face off against the Windsor Lancers (1-0) tomorrow at 8pm at the Ben Avery Gym.

Cedric Junor

Sports Writer