It was a tight battle in Thunder Bay, Ont., as the York University Lions men's basketball team fell to the No. 6 nationally ranked Lakehead Thunderwolves 85-83 at the CJ Sanders Fieldhouse on Friday night.
 
The first quarter was a neck and neck battle with both sides fighting for an early lead. A pair of guards in MJ Forbes and Alex Thielen kept the Lions in the fight early on with late baskets and crucial rebounds closing out the quarter down 18-17.
 
The second saw the most production from the visitors after a pair of three pointers each from Thielen and Nick Russell created separation between the two sides giving the Lions a 42-36 lead heading into the half.
 
The Thunderwolves returned the favour in the third, outscoring the Lions 13-6 midway through the quarter. Thielen continued to keep his side in the mix, as well as Prince Kamunga who hit a pair of crucial free-throws ending the quarter down 62-60.
 
The fourth saw the two-point differential live for most of the frame. Kamunga, who scored a game high 27 points, couldn't be stopped hitting multiple shots. After another made jump shot, Thunderwolves Eric Gonzalez missed a three pointer with the score tied 83-83. Ultimately the home team was awarded two free-throws after a late foul by the Lions with 12 seconds left on the clock. The home team sunk both shots to clinch the game.
 
Kamunga recorded 27 points and 10 rebounds for the Lions, while Connor Laronde added 17 points and four assists.
 
The Lions will look to even the score on Saturday night as they face-off against the Thunderwolves for the second night at the CJ Sanders Fieldhouse. Tip-off is scheduled for 8pm.