The 2025-26 Wolves men's basketball season tipped-off on Wednesday night with a quick road trip across town to take on the La Cité Coyotes. This is the 2nd year in a row that these 2 squads have met to open up the season. In 2024, Algonquin managed a 88-75 win.
The Wolves opened up the scoreboard when Haven Holder grabbed an offensive board off a missed free throw and put it up and in. This sparked a 12-0 run to start the game capped off by a James Texeira 3. The Coyotes found their footing and clawed their way back in it, but Algonquin maintained a 25-18 advantage after the 1st quarter.
The 2nd quarter belonged to the Coyotes, who won it 29-19 to take a slim 47-44 lead going into the half. Veteran big man Haven Holder led the way for the Wolves with 12 points and 4 rebounds. Rookie Aydin Gilani wasn't far behind with 9 points and 4 boards. 2nd year guard James Texeira also had 9 points at the half.
The 3rd quarter was evenly played. The Wolves were able to tie the game up at 61 off an Aydin Gilani steal and bucket to set up an exciting 4th quarter. Algonquin stepped up on the defensive end in the 4th giving up just 9 points and holding La Cité to just 15.8% from the floor. The Wolves walked away with an 81-70 win.
Algonquin's inside presence proved to be too much for the Coyotes. Forwards Aydin Gilani and Haven Holder had 21 points each on 8-14 from the field. Gilani also grabbed 10 rebounds for the double double. Holder added 8 boards. 2nd year guard James Texeira was also in double digits with 16 points while shooting 50% from beyond the arc.
With their 1-0 record, the Wolves will now turn their attention to the home opener on October 31st at 8:00 pm when the Durham Lords come to town.
Keep an eye on AlgonquinWolves.com to keep up with all our varsity teams.