Queen’s Mens Basketball Team Extends Winning Streak in Strong Performance Against Lakehead

By: Matteo Ametrano

Queens University headed to Thunder Bay for a battle with Lakehead University on Friday night
for one of their last games before the OUA Playoffs. The visiting Gaels entered the contest
having won their last eight games in a row. The Thunderbirds, on the other hand remain on their
home court, where they most recently beat Brock in back-to-back contests. With OUA Playoffs
just around the corner, the significance heightens with seeding and positioning on the line. A
packed and excited gym in Thunder Bay awaited the opening tip off between the Thunderbirds
and the Gaels in one of the last regular season games of the season for both sides.

Queens didn';t waste any time getting off to a quick start on both sides of the ball, leading to a
dominant first quarter. The Gaels offense began strongly with creative plays, such as Fofo
Adetogun's impressive spin move leading to an easy lay-up. They capitalized on early turnovers,
slowing down the Thunderbirds' offense. Queens's active defense and strong rotations caused
problems for the home team. After one, the Gaels led 23-13, highlighted by a Luka Syllas step
back three-pointer as the Gaels offence was leading the way. 

In the second quarter, the Gaels maintained their defensive pressure, limiting the Thunderbirds'
scoring opportunities. Despite a brief rally from the home team, the Gaels responded with timely
threes, ending the half with a comfy 50-33 lead. Cole Syllas and the Gaels really controlled the
pace throughout the first half, as they never trailed. 

Coming out after half time, Queens was determined to keep the pressure on and get out of
Thunder Bay with a huge victory. The Gaels continued their offensive dominance in the third
quarter, extending their lead to 22 points. However, the Thunderbirds hit a couple threes in a
row, and forced the Gaels into a timeout as they cut the deficit to 16. Despite this late surge the
Gaels remained in control, leading 77-55 at the end of the third quarter. 

In the fourth quarter, the Gaels maintained their lead, with Luka Syllas leading the offensive
charge. Determination on defense limited the Thunderbirds inside game and forced them into a
lot of deep three-point shots. The Gales never took their foot off the gas, and a quick fourth
quarter came to an end, with the Gaels walking away with a comfortable 98-77 victory. With this
road win, the Gaels extended their winning streak to nine games. 

You can catch the Gaels in action again on February 16, as they return home to host the Ottawa
Gee Gees. With only two regular season games remaining, the Gaels look to stay hot and keep
their momentum from this regular season winning streak as they head in to the OUA Playoffs.