The Brock Badgers men’s basketball team faced a challenging weekend against the Lakehead Thunderwolves, experiencing back-to-back losses.
In the first matchup on Jan. 26, the Badgers fell short with a final score of 87-66 in Thunder Bay. Despite the loss, fourth-year forward Jordan Tchuente showcased an impressive performance, leading the team with a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds.
The Thunderwolves took an early lead in the opening quarter. The Badgers could not get much offence going, shooting 33.3 per cent from the field in the quarter. Lakehead had an 11-point lead at the end of the first but the Badgers picked up their offensive play in the second.
Brock shot 53 per cent from the field and cut the lead to 10 by halftime, needing to shore up the defence if they were to get back into the game.
The third quarter saw a spirited effort from the Badgers, reducing the deficit to just four points at one point. Lakehead hit a few clutch threes to extend the lead back to double digits heading into the fourth quarter.
Lakehead dominated both ends of the floor in the fourth, securing the 87-66 victory in the first of the back-to-back games.
In the second game on Jan. 27, the Badgers aimed for redemption but fell short once again, losing 72-70 in a closely contested match. Jordan Tchuente had another great game scoring 12 points, contributing both offensively and defensively with three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jevon Brown and Andrew McKenna each added 11 points to the team’s effort.
Brock started strong in the first quarter, going 5-for-7 on three-pointers to take a 29-22 lead. Tshibola, Brown and McKenna each shot 100 per cent from beyond the arc in the first quarter. However, Lakehead responded in the second quarter, erasing the Badgers’ lead and outsourcing them 19-9 in the quarter. Brock trailed 41-38 at halftime.
Lakehead’s consistent shooting maintained their lead at 62-57 heading into the final frame. The Badgers mounted a defensive effort in the fourth quarter, forcing turnovers and attempting a comeback. Guards Jordan Nelson and McKenna hit crucial three-pointers to bring Brock within a point, but their comeback bid fell short as they couldn’t capitalize in the final possessions and shot just 23.8 per cent from the field in the final frame.
With back-to-back losses against the Lakehead Thunderwolves, the Badgers have now lost four in a row, making January an undeniably horrible month. They will look to turn it around on Feb. 2 and 3 when they return home to play Windsor and Western.
Tickets for the games can be bought here or watch at home by streaming on OUA.tv.
For more information on the Brock men’s basketball team, visit gobadgers.ca.
