THUNDER BAY, ON - Mustangs are back in Thunder Bay, with an attempt to win against Lakehead for the second night in a row.
The first quarter opened strong, the Thunderwolves won the jump, and the Mustangs immediately fell back, placing strong pressure on Lakehead - a strong start to what was an incredibly intense game. The Mustangs are aggressive on both ends of the floor right out the gate, as are the Thunderwolves, and the scores begin a back-and-forth pattern, with both teams equalling each other in scoring for the first few minutes. However, 3 minutes into the game and Western already had 3 team fouls, which seemed to result in the team backing off in terms of aggressiveness on the ball handler, allowing Lakehead to pull ahead by a couple points. While the Mustangs were maintaining intensity, the Thunderwolves were just able to shut them down in the key, forcing more outside shots. While Mustangs guard Omar Shiddo was able to convert on a 3-point play with 2:30 remaining to bring the team into the lead briefly, the scoreboard read 24-22 for Lakehead at the end of the quarter.
The next 10 minutes opened the same as the first quarter, with a back-and-forth in scoring from the teams, however this time the Mustangs didn't back off with the pressure on defence. Western was able to maintain aggressive pressure, forcing several offensive fouls. The game proved to be very intense all around, with the Lakehead bench getting called for a technical foul, where Shiddo then went 3 for 3 on his free throws, bringing the Mustangs within 2 points of Lakehead. While the Mustangs remained in the game, they went into halftime down by eight, with a score of 48-40.
The Mustangs began the third with a great offensive set up, and very calculated ball movement, which proved to work well for them, being able to maintain a close game with the Thunderwolves. Western worked hard, getting back quickly on the rebound attempting to set up their offensive plays, which kept them within a consistent 10 points of Lakehead. The Thunderwolves defence was frustrating the Mustangs, who drew 2 consecutive offensive fouls, before ending the third quarter only trailing by 5 (65-60).
The final quarter opened with an increased pace and tempo in the game. Neither team was able to take much time to rest between plays, with the Mustangs immediately returning to set up their offence after gaining possession. There were a couple opportunities where the Thunderwolves forced the Mustangs to make some rushed passes, which resulted in several turnovers and Lakehead was able to convert these fast breaks, pulling further ahead. The Mustangs managed to increase their intensity, making incredible decisions both offensively and defensively, and brought the score within 2 points, with only 3 minutes remaining in the game. Western managed to hold off Lakehead's offense, then brought the score to a tie, before a 5th team foul led to the Thunderwolves coming back into the lead.There was an intense back and forth, with Mustang Jerric Palma bringing the Mustangs in the lead with not one, but two 3 pointers, before Lakehead called a time out, with the Mustangs up 85-83 with less than a minute remaining. However, after a hard fought final few minutes in regulation, the buzzer sounded with a tie, at 89 each.
The game went into overtime, and after an incredibly competitive final few minutes, the Western Mustangs unfortunately lost to the Lakehead Timberwolves 110-109.
The Mustangs next game will be December 30 against Redeemer College, back home at Alumni Hall at 8pm.
