WOLFPACK MBB WIN FIRST GAME OF SEASON: FINISH 7 TH AT WESMEN TOURNEY December 30, 2009
Posted by lread in Men's Basketball.trackback
Greg Stewart had a double-double and set a tournament record for rebounds (A. Snucins photo)
Thom Gillespie couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the calendar year. Gillespie’s Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s basketball team won their final game of 2009, taking the host Winnipeg Wesmen 77-70 to finish seventh at the 43 rd annual Wesmen Classic.
“I’m pleased for the guys,” Gillespie said afterwards. “We put in a good effort and held strong over the last two minutes to get the victory.”
After being tied at 20 after the first quarter, TRU outscored the Wesmen 19-13 in the second quarter to lead 39-33 at the recess. The ‘Pack continued to outscore the host team 23-14 in the third quarter. “ We did a better job in the middle two quarters on defence.” Gillespie stated. “Greg (Stewart, 4 th year, forward, Kamloops, BC) did a great job with some defensive rebounds.”
Stewart was the top scorer and rebounder for TRU in this one. He had 23 points and 18 rebounds including 13 on defence. That 18 rebounds tied a tournament record. Sean Garvey (5th year, guard, Kamloops, BC) added 15 points with Drew Bleth (5th year, guard, Ridgeview, Wash) adding 14 points.
“ In the fourth period, the Wesmen gave us some pressure,” the WolfPack coach explained. “ They forced us to turn the ball over and cut the margin to 72-70 with two minutes left. But Drew came up with a big three in the final three minutes to extend our lead and we finished off with some free throws.”
Mike James led the Wesmen with 20 points, two blocks and two steals. Nick Lother was next with 14 points. Peter Lomuro added 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
The WolfPack return to Canada West play on January 8-9 th at the Tournament Capital Center when they meet up with Manitoba and Winnipeg. Gillespie is hoping to carry some momentum from this win into those games. “ Getting a win was a confidence builder for sure,’ he said. “ Especially against a team we’ll play in ten days time. And to do it without our full complement of players was a bonus. We need to have the same intensity and focus as we did today in order to be successful when it really counts.”
The Pack host Manitoba on January 8 th with an 8 pm tip off. Winnipeg comes to the TCC one night later for a 7 pm tip off.
DOUBLE DRIBBLES: The Pack played without fifth year forward Jeff Friesen (Duncan, BC), who was unable to get away from his job for the tourney. Assistant Coach Brian Smith was also unable to attend the Winnipeg tournament due to work commitments.
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