THUNDER BAY, Ont. (November 23, 2018) – The Queen's Gaels (5-3) pulled out a gritty 64-58 win over the Lakehead Thunderwolves (2-5) on Friday night.
GAME FLOW
The opening quarter saw both teams shoot at an efficient rate as neither team could pull away from each other early. The Gaels took a 20-15 lead after the first quarter.
Tanner Graham had a hot start to Friday's game as he posted a quick 11 points within the first 14 minutes of the game. The Thunderwolves had difficulty managing the size and speed of the fifth year forward who was a force on the glass and with his jumper.
After the first half, the Gaels had a slim 34-33 advantage.
Tanner Graham and
Matt Elcock had a combined 20 points, but it was the Thunderwolves bench who kept them in the game with 19 points.
Both teams struggled to score in the third, but with the score still close an exciting fourth quarter was in store.
After being held scoreless since his fast start, Graham hit a layup and followed it up with a deep three to create some breathing room for the Gaels.
In the final two minutes,
Jaz Bains hit a key jumper, followed by
Tanner Graham who muscled a layup in the paint to allow the Gaels to hold on to a four-point advantage.
After Lakehead made a bucket to bring it within two, Bains was able to create some space and convert on an athletic layup to seal the game.
BY THE NUMBERS
21 – The Gaels scored 21 points off 17 forced turnovers, which was the key factor in the win.
20 –
Tanner Graham led the game with 20 points.
7 – With the game on the line, the Gaels had a +7 point differential in the fourth quarter.
MUST-SEE MOMENT
Henry Van Herk had no interest in being on a poster as he sent the dunk attempt the other way.
UP NEXT
The Gaels will finish off their first half of the regular season with two more road games next weekend. On Friday, November 30 the Gaels head to St. Catharines to take on Brock (5-2) and then head to Hamilton the following day for a meeting with McMaster (4-3).
Both games can be streamed live on OUA.tv.
