Tigers win 82-39 over Laurentian in final preseason matchup

Game recap by Kirk Jessome

(Halifax, NS) – In the final preseason tune up for the Dalhousie Tigers, they hosted the Laurentian Voyageurs at the Dalplex. After an explosive second quarter, the Tigers opened up a lead that continued to grow as the game went on, and finished with an 82-39 win.

The Tigers had a strong start on defence, putting pressure on the Laurentian ball handlers and forcing turnovers. The Tigers were able to convert on the extra possessions early and jump out to a quick 13-5 lead, with all five starters contributing on offense.

The key for the Voyageurs was to find ways to get into the paint, and Kadre Gray (Toronto, ON) was doing that early for them, slashing to the hoop and getting to the line.

Anthony Iacoe (Sault Ste. Marie, ON) was also able to get to the line after finishing off a tough lay in through contact, but the Tigers were able to counter on the other end with Marley Blommers (Chatham, ON) doing the same.

Just as time was running out in the corner, Gray was able to pull up for a final jump shot to bring his team within 10, as the Tigers led 23-13.

A string of missed shots and turnovers for the Voyageurs led to the Tigers quickly increasing their lead in the second quarter, led by Alex Carson (Lower Sackville, NS) picking up five points in the opening minutes.

The scoring drought continued for the first eight minutes of the second quarter for Laurentian as they were held scoreless until Haroun Mohamed (Toronto, ON) was able to get to the line and knock down a pair of free throws.

Meanwhile the Tigers went to their bigs, with Sascha Kappos (Miami, FL) hitting a nice mid-range shot, and Mike Shoveller (Arnprior, ON) showing he could step out and shoot the three.

A few of the Tigers rookies got in on the action late in the quarter with Adam Sellan (Toronto, ON) stepping in to hit a shot from deep and fourth year transfer Jordan Wilson (Nassau, Bahamas) got to the line to knock down a pair.

The first half came to an end with the Tigers up 43-18.

The half time break seem to provide a bit of a spark for the Voyageurs, coming out with much better energy in the third, with Gray getting into the paint in the opening seconds, and Iacoe hitting a shot from deep on the next possession.

Once again the new Tigers players were put on the ball late in the quarter, and stepped up to the task, highlighted by Shamar Burrows (St. Catherines, ON) made some great moves to slash through the paint and get to the hoop.

The Tigers continued to grow their lead in the quarter as just under the minute mark, Sellan hit two from the line to extend it to 30. Heading into the fourth quarter, the score was 63-32 for the Tigers.

The teams traded baskets throughout the fourth quarter, but it was more of the same as the Tigers continued to grow their lead with their young players.

As time ran out in the fourth quarter, the Tigers came away with the 82-39 win.

Laurentian will continue their East Coast preseason run tomorrow against UPEI, while the Tigers will gear up for their season opener next Saturday with a double header against Cape Breton.