The Wolves men's basketball team hit the road for the final time this semester when they visited the George Brown Huskies and Centennial Colts on back to back days in Toronto.
VS George Brown
Saturday was an important matchup as the Wolves and Huskies were both seeking their 2nd wins of the season. The Wolves got off to a great start in this one, doubling up the Huskies 30-15 in the opening quarter. James Texeira had 9 points in the frame going 3 for 3 from deep. As a team, the Wolves shot 68.8% from the floor and 4 for 5 from 3.
The 2nd and 3rd quarters were less kind to the Wolves. They were outscored 45 to 24 in the 2 middle frames and entered the 4th quarter down 60 to 54. Thankfully they were able to right the ship in the 4th quarter. James Texeira knocked down 2 free throws to tie the game at 65 with 5:49 to go in the 4th. Algonquin managed to take a 68-65 lead just over a minute later when Aydin Gilani buried a 3 from the top of the arc. The game went back and forth from there until Albert Opena knocked down a jumper followed by another James Texeira 3 on back to back possessions to take the lead for good. The Wolves picked up their 2nd win of the season 79-75.
James Texeira led the team in scoring with 20 points, shooting an efficient 6 for 11 from the field and 4 for 6 from 3. Albert Opena had 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and knocked down some tough shots to help seal the win. Haven Holder had 15 points and 7 boards. Aydin Gilani contributed 11 point and 11 rebound double double. Newcomer Frank Thomas had an impressive debut with 10 points and 5 boards.
VS Centennial
On Sunday the Wolves took on the Centennial Colts who entered the contest with a 5-2 record after defeating the La Cité Coyotes the night before. This was a tough test for Algonquin as Centennial has proven to be one of the top teams in the OCAA East.
The Wolves got off to another strong start leading 16-8 with 3:51 to go in the 1st quarter. The Colts put together a run of their own down the stretch of the opening frame to narrow the gap to just 1 point going into the 2nd.
The 2nd quarter was less kind to the Wolves. A shooting percentage of 21.4% combined with 7 turnovers led to a 19 point deficit going into the half. Unfortunately the Wolves were unable to get any closer and eventually fell 108-69. Albert Opena led the team in scoring with 21 points. Haven Holder and Shyeem Brown were also in double figures with 10 points each.
The loss moves the Algonquin record to 2-6 going into the final game of the 1st semester. They will take on the Seneca Sting on Friday November 28th at 8:00 pm at the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre.