The Algoma University Thunderbirds showed continued growth in consistent play over a two-game weekend, delivering strong individual performances and finishing with a hard-earned victory on Saturday night after a competitive road test on Friday.
On Friday, January 16th in North Bay, Algoma pushed Nipissing for all four quarters before falling 81–72. The Thunderbirds came out sharp, shooting over 53 percent in the opening quarter to take an early lead. Kal-El Alejo led the offensive charge with a team-high 20 points, attacking the rim and converting six free throws while adding three assists.
Jean-Luc Cubahiro was active on both ends, finishing with 11 points and eight rebounds, while Oliver Kristoffersen matched that scoring total with 11 points, including three three-pointers. Off the bench, Biong Deng provided a perfect shooting night from the field, going 3-for-3 for eight points, and Shalom Anyikwa chipped in seven. Algoma closed strong with a 24-point fourth quarter, but the comeback attempt came up just short.
The Thunderbirds responded in a big way on Saturday, January 17th, earning a 76–71 win over Laurentian at Ben Avery Gym. After a slow first half offensively, Algoma erupted in the third quarter, pouring in 34 points on 84.6 percent shooting, completely flipping the momentum of the game.
Alejo delivered a standout performance, pouring in 27 points, including five three-pointers, to lead all scorers. Jean-Luc Cubahiro was dominant on the glass with a 13-rebound effort to go along with 14 points, while Kristoffersen continued his efficient weekend with 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting.
Logan Whitmell added a balanced performance with 13 points, three assists, and two steals, and Chance Beaudoin-Skerritt contributed defensively with multiple steals and blocks. Algoma's defensive pressure in the third quarter limited Laurentian to just 15 points, allowing the Thunderbirds to build a double-digit lead they would not relinquish.
With consistent scoring from Alejo, strong rebounding from Cubahiro, and timely shooting throughout the lineup, the Thunderbirds capped the weekend with a confidence-building victory that reflected their continued development and competitiveness as the season progresses.
Head Coach of Thunderbid Men's Basketball Ryan Vetrie said this about the weekend: " I thought we had a good weekend overall. We were more consistent as a group both offensively and defensively. I think we can build on this moving forward but it will be about being consistent at practice leading into the weekends."
The Thunderbird Men's Basketball team hits the road again when they play the Queen's Gaels on Friday, January 23rd at 8:00 pm and the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks on Saturday, January 24th at 8:00 pm as well. Both game can be live streamed on OUA tv.
