KINGSTON, Ont. (November 10, 2018) – The Queen's Men's Basketball Team (3-2) defeated the Algoma Thunderbirds (1-5) 94-61 on Saturday night at the ARC – Main Gym.
 
GAME FLOW
In a fast-paced, physical opening quarter, both teams went 7 for 17 from the field and the Gaels held a narrow lead over the Thunderbirds 20-18. Standing out was Algoma's Nick Grehlen, who hit two clutch shots in the final minute of the 1^stquarter to bring the T-Birds back within striking distance.
 
The 2^ndquarter was just as tightly contested as the first. The Gaels and Thunderbirds traded baskets throughout the quarter, and Jaz Bains hit a mid-range shot as time expired at the end of the 2^ndto give the Gaels a 37-35 lead at the half. 
 
In the first half, the Gaels were led by Matt Elcock with 8 points, while the Thunderbirds were led by Nick Grehlen who also had 8 points. Both teams shot just under 40% from the field while the Thunderbirds were slightly more efficient from 3-point land. 
 
Quinton Gray scored 8 consecutive points at the beginning of the 3^rdquarter, getting the Gaels off to a hot start. The Gaels would never look back as Jaz Bains subsequently caught fire and Queen's stormed out to a 70-48 lead in a massive, 33-point 3^rdquarter surge. 
 
In the 4th Quarter, the Gaels used the full extent of their bench rotation and still nearly doubled up the Thunderbirds 24-13. The Gaels ended the night with a convincing 94 to 61 victory after a first half in which it looked like it was anyone's game. 
 
Leading the way for the Gaels were Jaz Bains with 25 points and Matt Elcock with 19 points. The Gaels shot nearly 50% from the field and over 50% in the second half, while also compiling 24 assists and 40 bench points. 
 
BY THE NUMBERS
13 – The Gaels hit thirteen three-pointers.
16 – The Gaels forced 16 Algoma turnovers.
26% – The Gaels held Algoma to only twenty-six percent three-point shooting.
 
FINAL SAY
Jaz Bains spoke about the key to his team's massive 3rd quarter: "We were flat footed to start the game. We knew that we had to bring energy, especially on the defensive end, in the second half. When we started to get stops, we got the chance to run, and when we get a chance to a run, we are a very good basketball team. The transition game is very important for us." 
 
UP NEXT
The Gaels face The Laurier Golden Hawks next Friday (Nov 16) for a school-day special start time at 1:00PM at the Arc Main Gym. For tickets head to gogaelsgo.com/tickets or you can watch the game live on OUA.tv.