MBB | Voyageurs Win Streak Extends to 3 with Win over Golden Hawks

The Laurentian Voyageurs Men's basketball team welcomed the Laurier Golden Hawks to Sudbury Friday night for the only scheduled meeting between the two sides this season. 

After two outstanding performances last weekend that saw Laurentian pick up their first two wins of the season the Voyageurs looked to continue their hot streak back at home against a Laurier team that has also started the season at 2-2.

In the first quarter the main story was efficiency. On the Golden Hawks side 58% shooting from the field led to a very respectable 17 points, first quarter. On the Voyageurs side they would go on to shoot just 28% while going 1-7 from beyond the arc leading to just 13 first quarter points putting the score at 17-13 after the first ten minutes.

The second quarter was a complete turnaround as the Voyageurs defense showed up in a big way. First they outrebounded Laurier 10-6 including 4 of them coming in the offensive end. Then they would force the Golden Hawks into 7 second quarter turnovers leading to numerous fast break opportunities. The defensive stand and an improved offense allowed the Vees to take 35-28 into the halftime break. 

The third quarter was more of the same as although the Laurentian 3 point shooting continued to struggle their defense remained strong. Once again limiting Laurier to just 13 third quarter points and forcing 6 turnovers, Laurentian would stay up by 7 going into the final quarter.

The final quarter was all to play for as Laurier was well within striking distance to pull off the comeback while Laurentian was still leading and had the hometown fans trying to push them over the line. With just 4 minutes to go the lead was cut down to just 54-51 before Laurentian's Phillipe Fandio knocked down a clutch three point shot turning momentum back Laurentian' way and helping them fend off the late Laurier comeback attempts as the Voyageurs would win 61-55.

Voyageurs standout performer on Friday was Nginyu Ngala who put up a team high 17 points along with 5 rebounds 3 assists and 3 steals while also leading the Vees in minutes with 33.

With that win the Voyageurs extend their win streak to 3 games and will travel to the GTA with games slated against the York Lions and Mcmaster Marauders next weekend. Game time for both games next weekend are set for 8pm.

- Andrew Lemieux