The York University Lions men's basketball team is traveling to Thunder Bay for two games against the Lakehead Thunderwolves. After splitting opening weekend with a win against the Waterloo Warriors and loss to the Brock Badgers, the Lions are set for a highly competitive weekend in Thunder Bay.
After getting off to a slower start on Friday evening against the Waterloo Warriors, the Lions quickly found their groove. Liam Rietschin led York with six points, shooting 4-4 from the free throw line after the first quarter, and despite trailing 14-11 heading into the second quarter, the Lions had all of the momentum. The game was tight throughout the first half, with the Lions closing the scoreline 24-24. York came out firing in the third with Evan Shadkami leading the offensive surge, while the Lions secured the lead, and won their season and home opener, 69-53.
On Saturday evening, the Lions battled the Brock Badgers in another closely contested game, hopeful for their second victory. After starting quick, leading 14-7 after the first five minutes, the Badgers quickly turned around to end the first 18-16 in favour of York. The Badgers got their first lead of the game with just under seven minutes to play in the second, but Elias Panagiotopoulos and Shadkami regained the lead, heading into half 37-29. Brock was strong in the second half of action, winning the third quarter, and a back and forth battle of the fourth landed in the hands of the Badgers as they edged out a 76-69 win.
The Matchups:
Nov. 10: York (1-1) vs. Lakehead (1-1)
Nov. 11: York (1-1) vs. Lakehead (1-1)
Game Details:
Fri., Nov 10 @ Lakehead (8:00 pm – OUA.tv)
Sat., Nov 11 @ Lakehead (8:00 pm – OUA.tv)
Current Streaks:
York – Loss 1
Lakehead - Won 1
Quick Facts
York:
- Evan Shadkami is fifth in the OUA with 20.5 points per game
- York is seventh in the conference in defensive rebounds per game (29)
- Liam Rietschin is tied for 20th in the league in field goal percentage (57.1%)
Lakehead:
- Lakehead is second in the OUA with 11.5 steals per game
- The Thunderwolves are second in the conference attempting 74 field goals per game
- Laoui Msambya is 15th in the OUA shooting 12-27 field goals
Lions To Watch:
#22 EVAN SHADKAMI: Fifth-year guard... Has been the leading Lion in their past two games, scoring 22 points on Nov. 4 against the Brock Badgers and 19 points on Nov. 3 against the Waterloo Warriors... The experienced transfer student is poised on the court, collecting eight defensive rebounds so far and getting the ball forward quickly.
#2 JOSH NOTON: Fourth-year guard... In his first season with the Lions, Noton has played 64 minutes in his last two games, shooting 100% from the free throw line (13-13)... He collected six rebounds on Nov. 4 against the Brock Badgers, and attempted 20 field goals... He comes from the NAIA with lots of experience and talent to propel the red and white side.
