LONDON, ON - The Western Mustangs competed in their third game in five days this evening, back against the Algoma Thunderbirds, defeating the visitors for the second day in a row, 118-77.

The Thunderbirds began with an early offensive surge, with the Mustangs trailing throughout the start of the quarter.

Western's communication seemed to be lacking a bit in the early moments of the game, and they weren't working as effectively as a unit compared to their previous game. However, the Mustangs gradually warmed up and returned to their familiar playing style. 

"Obviously we had a slow first half, we just came out with more energy, more communication," said Mustang Tyson Dunn, "We just held down our defense... we just rode that energy till the end." 

As the quarter progressed, Algoma appeared to grow flustered and less composed, in contrast to their strong start. The quarter concluded with the Mustangs leading 33-25, showing their resilience and determination.

In the second quarter, the game featured a much narrower spread than the previous matchup, as Western displayed improved communication and played much more cohesively as a unit.

The Mustangs adjusted their offensive strategy, enabling them to fall back faster on the transition to defense and cut off the fast break. 

Western's defense improved significantly, with Mustangs players constantly getting up close to strip Algoma of the ball. The second quarter ended with Western ahead at 52-45.

As the game moved into the third quarter, Algoma's defense crowded the paint, making it difficult for the Mustangs to create space and cut through for layups. 

This forced Western to take more shots from deep, but Algoma's defenders stayed close, applying pressure. 

Algoma outscored the Mustangs in the second quarter, indicative of their determination to not be left behind again.

Western, however, pulled ahead to a 13-point lead with just over four minutes remaining, their largest lead since the beginning of the second quarter. 

"It's the same things for us, really," said Mustangs' Head Coach Brad Campbell post-game, "We need to contain the dribble a little better, and defensive rebounding, no matter who the opponent, we're going to have to focus on that."

The Mustangs capitalized efficiently on turnovers from Algoma, thanks to the depth on their bench, recording 24 bench points compared to Algoma's seven by halftime. 

The third quarter ended with the Mustangs leading 72-56.

In the final quarter, the Mustangs' defense appeared much stronger, as they effectively closed out their players and their on-court communication improved. 

"[Our] communication kind of hurt us in the first half, not calling screens, rotating, stuff like that," said Mustangs' Guard Mikyle Malabuyoc, "When we brought the energy up in the second half and communication, we all came together." 

Algoma continued to display aggressiveness on defense, but Western strategically set themselves off the inbound to create better scoring chances and outsmart them in their offensive zone.

Western ultimately pulled ahead in the final quarter, gaining a 22-point advantage as Algoma seemed to lose some of the intensity they had at the beginning.

The game concluded with a final score of 92-69, with the Mustangs securing a hard-fought victory over the Thunderbirds. 

The Mustangs will return to Alumni Hall next weekend, on Friday, November 10, when they face off against the Carleton Ravens at 6 p.m. Fans can purchase their tickets at WesternMustangs.ca/Tickets. Western students gain free entry with a valid student card.