October 31st vs Durham Lords
After opening their season with a road win at La Cité, the Wolves played their first two home games of the season starting with a Halloween night matchup against last year's OCAA champion Durham Lords. Durham entered the contest with a 2-0 record after back to back one possession wins against Seneca and Fleming.
The game got off to a rocky start for the Wolves with the Lords opening up on a 10-1 run. However, Algonquin was able to find their game and closed the gap to two to end the quarter when Shyeem Brown found James Texeira at the top of the arc who sunk a 3 to end the quarter. Texeira carried the offense in the 1st quarter scoring 8 of his team's 17 points while shooting an impressive 3/3 from the floor and 1/1 from the line.
Unfortunately for the Wolves, the 1st quarter momentum did not carry over. The Durham defence held the Wolves to just 23.5% shooting in the 2nd quarter. On the flip side, the Lords had their best offensive quarter scoring 25 points while shooting 71.4% from the floor and 75% from deep. Durham carried a 44-25 lead into the half.
The Wolves were unable to cut into the lead and Durham improved to 3-0 with a 85-53 win. James Texeira led the way offensively for Algonquin scoring 16 points in 24 minutes while shooting 60% from the floor. P-J Hackshaw was also in double figures scoring 10 points in 14 minutes off the bench.
November 1st vs Fleming Phoenix
After a tough loss the night before, the Wolves looked to bounce back on Saturday against the Fleming Phoenix. Both teams entered the game with identical 1-1 records. Fleming opened their season with a close 73-70 win over St. Lawrence before dropping a close 82-80 loss to Durham.
This was a tightly contested matchup with multiple lead changes throughout. The Wolves got off to a better start in this one. Rookie forward Aydin Gilani knocked down a jumper from the free throw line to open the scoring. Algonquin held the lead for the 1st half of the opening frame but Fleming was able to finish the quarter on a 14-6 run to take a 21-17 lead into the 2nd quarter. Wolves forward Haven Holder led all scorers with 7 points in the quarter.
Algonquin stepped up on the defensive side of the floor in the 2nd quarter, holding Fleming to 11 points on 18.2% shooting. They were able to cut into the Phoenix lead who went into the locker room up by 3.
The 3rd quarter was similar to the 1st with the Wolves starting hot and taking the lead, but Fleming was able to answer once again to regain the lead and push it to 53-45 going into the final frame. Algonquin made a push in the 4th quarter but were unable to get over the hump and eventually dropped a 72-64 decision at the hands of the Phoenix.
Haven Holder was a force inside with a 21 point and 12 rebound double double performance. James Texeira was also in double digits with 12 points.
Next up for Algonquin is a road trip to Kingston and Belleville. On Saturday at 8:00 pm they will take on the St. Lawrence Surge, followed by a date with the Loyalist Lancers on Saturday at 3:00 pm.
Your next chance to catch the Wolves at home is Saturday November 15th against the Georgian Grizzlies. The women's game will tip-off at 1:00 pm with the men's game to follow at 3:00 pm. It is our 2nd Feed the Pack game of the season with all proceeds going to support the SA Food Cupboard. We will also be accepting non-perishable food donations at the door. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Get your tickets at the link below:
