The Algoma Thunderbirds men's basketball team showed resilience, toughness, and improved offensive balance in a challenging two-game road weekend against York and Brock. Despite coming up short in both matchups, Algoma delivered some of its most dynamic individual performances of the season.
Whitmell's 22 Leads Strong Push at York
Algoma opened the weekend Friday at the Tait McKenzie Centre, falling 87–81 in a fast-paced contest that featured one of the team's most balanced scoring outputs of the year.
Logan Whitmell led the Thunderbirds with a game-high 22 points, adding 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and playing aggressive all night. Chance Beaudoin-Skerritt continues to play well, shooting 6-of-9 for 15 points, while also grabbing 7 rebounds and dishing 3 assists.
Oliver Kristoffersen knocked down two threes on his way to 10 points while contributing 3 steals defensively. Kal-El Alejo posted a strong all-around night with 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Jean-Luc Cubahiro added 6 points and a team-high 9 rebounds.
Algoma's bench provided an important offensive spark, led by Biong Deng's 9 points, hitting two threes and going a perfect 3-for-3 from the line. Tyson Francisco added 5 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals, while Elliot Caron chipped in 4 points in efficient limited minutes. Shalom Anyikwa contributed 4 rebounds and 2 points in physical interior minutes.
Algoma outscored York 45–29 in the second half and cut the deficit to a single possession late, showing strong fight in one of their best offensive outings of the season.
Thunderbirds Show Grit in Defensive Battle at Brock
On Saturday, Algoma travelled to the Bob Davis Gymnasium, falling 75–61 to the Brock Badgers in a rugged, defensive-heavy matchup.
Whitmell once again led the way with 15 points, including 3 threes, plus 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Cubahiro followed with 9 points, 7 rebounds, and a steal while anchoring the interior.
Beaudoin-Skerritt added 9 points, 3 assists, and strong perimeter defense, while Kristoffersen contributed 8 points, 3 assists, and two steals.
Alejo delivered another steady performance with 7 points, 4 rebounds, and a steal, continuing to showcase his versatility.
Algoma once again got meaningful production from its bench:Biong Deng hit two threes and scored 8 points, adding 5 rebounds. Tyson Francisco contributed 3 points, 3 assists, and 4 rebounds. Christian Uduimoh added 2 points and Shalom Anyikwa, Albin Rosenlund, Elijah Quissua, and Elliot Caron provided valuable minutes defensively.
Across both games, the Thunderbirds showcased improved three-point shooting, stronger rebounding from the frontcourt, and increasingly balanced scoring across the roster. With multiple players stepping up—and the team pushing York to the wire—Algoma continues to build momentum and team chemistry heading into the heart of their season.
The Thunderbirds will now head into the holiday break but will be back in the New Year at home to play a pair of games against the Waterloo Warriors on Friday, January 9th and Saturday, January 10th with tip-off set for 8pm both days. Both of these games will be streamed live on OUA tv.
