MBB - Voyageurs come up just short against Algoma

On Saturday, the men's basketball team traveled to Algoma to take on the Thunderbirds in more preseason play. The Voyageurs ended up falling short to the Thunderbirds 66-64.

The Voyageurs set the tone early in the game, with Evan Monro scoring a layup within the first fifteen seconds of the quarter. The Thunderbirds quickly bounced back, scoring a 3-point shot to put them back in the game. Both teams were answering each other, with the score varying between 1 to 2 points throughout the quarter. While the Thunderbirds were leading by 2 points in the last minute, Gaëtan Chamand made a jump shot, which tied the game at 18 points apiece going into the second quarter.

In the second quarter, both teams were looking for opportunities to add to their side of the scoreboard. The Thunderbirds found the basket, netting one in the first minute, while Abdulmajid Hassan did the same for Laurentian, equalizing the game once again. Throughout the quarter, the Voyageurs called two timeouts to get in order, which was proven by Kamil Dia Hantchi, Caillou Lacroix, and Chamand who made a combination of 16 points, going into the half with the lead.

The Voyageurs came back on the court with momentum and the lead. Although the first points of the third quarter were scored by Algoma, Chamand and Lacroix quickly answered, scoring a basket each within 30 seconds of one another. With even more drive, the blue and gold made their lead even more apparent, going into the last ten minutes with a lead of 54-42 over the Thunderbirds.

With the lead on their side, the Voyageurs came out ready to add points to the board, proven once again by Hantchi with a 3-point shot and a layup by Lacroix. Despite the Voyageurs' lead, the Thunderbirds refused to let up, scoring 17 points and taking the lead. A layup scored by Munro tied the game, with Algoma making one shortly after. A timeout called by Laurentian gave the men time to reorganize and set plays, but Algoma took the lead by 5 points with 3 seconds left. The Voyageurs' Chamand scored a last second 3-point shot but unfortunately, they came up short 66-64.

The standout performers included Cailloux Lacroix with 21 points and 8 rebounds, Gaëtan Chamand with 13 points and 9 rebounds and Kamil Dia Hantchi with 9 points.

The Voyageurs are back on home court this Saturday as they take on the Nipissing Lakers in more preseason play. Tip off is set for 7pm.

-Madison Boileau