THUNDER BAY, Ont. (November 23, 2018) – The Queen's Gaels (6-2) fell 76-64 to the Lakehead Thunderwolves (6-1) in a battle between two of the top teams in the OUA.
 
GAME FLOW
The Gaels got off to a slow start in Thunder Bay as the first quarter was filled with turnovers. The Thunderwolves had a 10-2 advantage in forced turnovers in the opening quarter, which allowed them to build a six-point edge over the Gaels.
 
However, the Gaels defence held their ground as they forced the Thunderwolves to shoot 7-22 from the field. Emma Weltz hit a clutch three-pointer at the end of the quarter as the Gaels trailed 18-17 at the first break.
 
The second quarter was more consistent as they limited the Thunderwolves to 13 points and took a 32-31 lead into halftime. The THunderwolves took 15 more shots than the Gaels in the opening half, but weren't able to convert on their extra chances shooting 26.7% from the floor.
 
Out of the half the Gaels continued to hold on to their lead eventually taking a 42-39 lead midway through the third quarter.
 
However, a series of missed shots and turnovers swayed the momentum to the Thunderwolves side as they mounted a comeback and took a 56-46 lead into the final quarter.
 
All signs of third quarter struggles were non-existent in the fourth as the Gaels scored nine straight points to get back within a single point, 56-55. However, the momentum would be short lived as the Thunderwolves once again pushed away from the Gaels and restored their 10-point lead, 70-60.
 
They would hang on the rest of the way to down the Gaels.
 
BY THE NUMBERS
28 – The Gaels turned the ball over 28 times, a season high.
37.3% - The Thunderwolves were held to just 37.3% shooting from the field, but took 25 more shots than the Gaels.
19 – Alarie once again led the Gaels in scoring as she posted 19 points, four rebounds and six assists.
 
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 (3-4) and then head to Hamilton the following day for a meeting with McMaster (6-1).
 
Both games can be streamed live on OUA.tv.