The Algoma University Thunderbirds men's basketball team closed out their weekend road trip with a gitty 88–83 victory over Ontario Tech on Saturday night, earning their second win of the season and showcasing a strong collective effort after a challenging opener at Queen's.
Algoma opened the weekend in Kingston on Friday, January 23rd, falling 91–44 to Queen's at the ARC. Despite the final score, Jean-Luc Cubahiro led the Thunderbirds with 11 points and added seven rebounds, while Kal-El Alejo chipped in nine points and Oliver Kristoffersen contributed six. Logan Whitmell was active on the glass with seven rebounds, and Tyson Francisco and Shalom Anyikwa each added five points as Algoma continued to battle through a tough matchup against one of the east conference's top squads.
The Thunderbirds responded in impressive fashion less than 24 hours later in Oshawa for their game against the Ontario Ridgebacks.
Kal-El Alejo delivered a standout performance against Ontario Tech, scoring in a game-high 24 points, including four three-pointers, while going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line. Whitmell was dominant inside, dropping 23 points on an efficient 8-of-10 shooting night and adding key rebounds and defensive stops down the stretch.
Kristoffersen provided a big boost from beyond the arc with 14 points on three triples, while Cubahiro anchored the paint with a double-double, collecting 10 rebounds to go along with five points. Chance Beaudoin-Skerritt filled the stat sheet with seven points, five rebounds and five assists, and Francisco added seven points off the bench. Anyikwa contributed six points and five rebounds, helping Algoma control the boards in critical times in the game.
The highly contested match featured multiple lead changes, but Algoma's composure at the free-throw line proved decisive. The Thunderbirds shot an impressive 26-for-30 from the stripe and outscored Ontario Tech in the fourth quarter to secure the five-point road win.
With the victory, Algoma moves to 2–14 on the season, carrying positive momentum forward after a determined weekend effort that highlighted both individual growth and team resilience.
The team now returns home for a pair of games when they play the University of Ottawa Gee Gees on Thursday, January 29th at 8:00 pm as well the Carleton Ravens on Sunday, February 1st at 12 noon. Both games will be streamed live by Saultsports.com on OUA tv .
