Men's basketball secures berth at nationals
By Michal Tellos
News Editor
March 10, 2010
 “We shot the crap out of the ball at the right times.”
That was how head coach Chris Oliver described the Lancers men’s basketball team’s offensive performance in a dominating 87-66 win over the Lakehead Thunderwolves.
In beating Lakehead, who tied Windsor’s 17-5 record in the regular season, the men move on to face the Carleton Ravens in Ottawa this Saturday for the OUA title.
The game was arguably the squad’s most dominating and complete performance of the season, and not a moment too late. They won one and lost one against the Thunderwolves in the regular season.
After some early technical difficulties, and allowing the first two baskets, Windsor finally woke up. With a raucous home crowd on their side, they took the lead shortly after and never looked back.
The team outscored visiting Lakehead 47-30 in the first half, 17 of which were scored by Isaac Kuon, who finished with a game-high 23.
Although the team felt good going into the half, Oliver noted that Lakehead is a dangerous three-point team, meaning that a comeback was easily within reach. Within the first five minutes, that hope was quickly quashed. They allowed only 11 points in the third frame, scoring 24 of their own.
Lakehead did outscore Windsor 25-16 in the final quarter, but it was nowhere near enough.
Again, although the offense worked seamlessly, defensive play was what won the game.
“We just kept defending and rebounding, and we knew if we did that, they wouldn’t be able to stay with us for too long,” said Nigel Johnson-Tyghter, who tied for the most rebounds with seven.
Offense did, however, play a helpful role.
“A lot of ball movement led to some really open shots, and obviously we’re happy with that,” said Oliver.
Although Kuon led in scoring, Josh Collins and Lien Phillip both chipped in with 13 each, while Tyghter and Matt Handsor added 11.
Collins, recently named to the OUA all-rookie team, also led the game with four steals.
The game was the culmination of a year’s worth of work, said Oliver.
“We haven’t always been the best team in terms of our performance, but it’s all been that process to get to play our best basketball by the end of the year, and you have to say we are playing some of our best basketball at the end of the year for sure. I can’t ask anymore. I trust this team.”
With the win, even if they lose in the OUA final, they will still be going to the national championship. Oliver said that the team will now focus a little bit on both nationals and the upcoming OUA final.
“If we handle defense and rebounding, we’re going to be good, and we believe any team can’t stay with us offensively,” said Tyghter.
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