The Algoma Thunderbirds men's basketball team faced a challenging weekend of OUA competition, hosting McMaster on Friday night before heading to Guelph on Sunday. Despite the results, Algoma showed stretches of strong play, balanced scoring, and individual performances that highlighted the team's continued growth.
Friday, February 6 – McMaster 97, Algoma 73
George Leach Centre, Sault Ste. Marie
Algoma opened the weekend at home with an energetic start, staying competitive through three quarters against McMaster before the visitors pulled away late.
Kal-El Alejo led the Thunderbirds with a team-high 17 points, adding eight rebounds and four assists while attacking the rim and creating opportunities for teammates. Jean-Luc Cubahiro followed with 15 points, seven rebounds, and strong defensive activity over 39 minutes.
Oliver Kristoffersen provided a scoring spark with 12 points, including a pair of three-pointers, while also contributing three assists. Shalom Anyikwa filled the stat sheet with seven points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two blocks, anchoring Algoma's interior presence.
Off the bench, Tyson Francisco delivered an efficient performance, scoring eight points on 3-of-4 shooting, while Albin Rosenlund knocked down two three-pointers in limited minutes. Algoma finished the game with 22 assists and shot 33.3% from three, keeping pressure on McMaster throughout the contest.
Sunday, February 8 – Guelph 99, Algoma 47
GGAC, Guelph
Two days later, Algoma played Guelph on the road. The Thunderbirds continued to compete defensively and on the glass while working through a difficult matchup.
Kal-El Alejo once again paced Algoma offensively, scoring 11 points and getting to the free-throw line consistently. Oliver Kristoffersen added nine points and seven rebounds, while Chance Beaudoin-Skerritt contributed eight points, a block, and solid perimeter defense.
Shalom Anyikwa was active inside, finishing with eight points, a team-high eight rebounds, three blocks, and two steals, providing energy and rim protection. Elijah Quissua added four points and three rebounds, while Christopher Augustine chipped in with defensive minutes off the bench.
Algoma collected 35 rebounds and continued to battle through all four quarters, closing the game with their strongest offensive stretch in the fourth.
Looking Ahead
While the weekend presented difficult tests against two strong opponents, the Thunderbirds showed continued commitment, effort, and flashes of cohesion on both ends of the floor. With steady leadership, contributions throughout the lineup, and resilience in the face of adversity, Algoma remains focused on building momentum as the season progresses. This upcoming weekend the Thunderbirds play their last regular season games on the road where they play Western Mustangs on Friday, February 13th at 8:00 pm and the Windsor Lancers on Saturday, February 14th also at 8:00 pm. Both games will be live streamed on OUA tv.
