A competitive game took place at The Pit on Sunday, St. Thomas Men's Basketball team hosted the University of Kings College Blue Devils. Neck in neck for much of the game, although both teams held the lead at one point, UKC by 6 in the 2nd and then STU by 11. The Tommies took the win 81-80.
Head coach, John Hickey says there is a lot his team needs to improve on over the next few weeks. "We've got to get better at having consistent energy and having consistent effort across the board" Hickey says that the team needs to take a little more pride in all aspects of play, including defending and rebounding.
"Teddy has been very very good the last little while," Hickey reflects of Ted Braden's (Ottawa, ON) play today. The 6'6" post finished with a season high of 18 pts, had 7 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks. "He is making good reads and his work away from the game, in individuals is paying off", Hickey said post-game. "His foot work is better, his finishing around the rim is better," he concluded, "Teddy has been very good for us". Braden has 16 blocks so far this season for the Tommies.
Geoffrey Lavoie (Ottawa, ON) had 19 pts, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. Shooting 7-8 from the field and 3-3 from the 3 pt line, Lavoie excels under pressure. As a 2nd year starter for the Tommies, Lavoie can attack the rim and shoot from a distance very well. His understanding of the game and his footwork makes him hard to defend.
Michael Otoo (Ottawa, ON) and Ian Watters (Miramichi, NB) both finished with 15 pts for the Tommies. Otoo made some big shots down the stretch of the game and Watters took advantage of the Blue Devils defence, making a lay up in the last 5 seconds of the game and drawing a foul. Knocking down the foul shot lead to the 1 pt win.
Both teams were 40% form the 3 pt line, UKC with 8 and STU with 10.
Game high and top scorer and for the Blue Devils was Reese Zorogole with 25 pts, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Following him was Sam Gillett with 18 pts. Another standout for the Blue Devils was Geevon Janday with 11 pts and 10 rebounds.
The Tommies meet the UNBSJ Seawolves at The Pit on Friday at 8pm. Can they make the season series 3-0?