Windsor Lancers

The Lancer men's basketball team came from behind to defeat the Nipissing Lakers 76-73 in their season opener on Friday night in North Bay, ON. 

Friday vs Nipissing 
After the teams traded baskets early in the game, the Lakers took over the first quarter towards the end, going on a bit of a run to give themselves a 23-20 edge after the opening 10 minutes, capped off by a Lewis layup.

The second quarter mirrored the first, as Nipissing used some strong shooting and tough defence down the stretch to come away with a 20-17 advantage, building up a 43-37 lead at the break.

Windsor slowly began to climb back into the game in the third quarter, getting big stops, as well as clutch baskets as they cut the deficit by one point thanks to a 20-19 advantage in the third.

With Nipissing up 62-57 after three, Windsor worked hard and cut the gap and take the lead with 4:05 left. The teams traded leads from that point on until the Lancers went up 74-73 and held on late to pick up the three point win.

Mike Rocca led the Lancers with a game high 21 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists, and 3 steals. Lucas Orlita and newcomer Micqueel Martin also hit double digits with 15 and 10 points, respectively. Defensively, the Lancers were led by Randy Oriakhi with 6 rebounds. 

Saturday vs Laurentian
It was a tight game from start to finish against the host Voyageurs. Laurentian opened the game building a 13-6 lead in the first quarter before the Lancers came storming back with an 11-0 run to take the lead 17-13, en route to a 25-21 lead after the first quarter. 

Momentum switched in favour of the Voyageurs in the second quarter as they out scored the Lancers 26-18 to take a narrow four point lead at halftime. 

The second half was a gritty affair, but the Lancers struggled from the field shooting just 23.1% to Laurentian's 43.3%. After tying the game with just under five minutes to play in the third quarter, the teams literally traded points for the remainder of the game. However, a 3-point shot from Laurentian's Kadre Gray lifted the hosts ahead of the Lancers with two minutes remaining and they held for the win. 

Rocca again led the way for the Blue & Gold with 21 points, while Martin was right behind him with 20 points. Tyler Persaud finished the game with 14 points and a team high nine rebounds. 

UP NEXT
The Lancers will host the Guelph Gryphons on Wednesday, November 16th in their home opener at the St. Denis Centre. Tip-off is set for 8:00pm and can be seen live on www.oua.tv.