As it turns out, the feature game of the evening is in Thunder Bay once again as the Ottawa Gee-Gees, fresh off an overtime victory over #3 McMaster, visit the undefeated Lakehead Thunderwolves, ranked #8 in the latest CISHoops.ca Top 10 but destined to move higher after last night's thrilling, come-from-behind victory over #1 Carleton. Expect Ottawa's 6'4" Josh Gibson-Bascombe to continue to make the majority of the offensive decisions for the Gee-Gees and to likely be guarded at least on the perimeter by Lakehead's 5'9" Greg Carter, who applies tremendous ball pressure. Inside, Ottawa's stable of forwards including 6'8" Louis Gauthier, 6'10" Matt Michaud and 6'9" Mathieu Riendeau to have their hands full with athletic 6'6" sophomore Yoosrie Salhia, who had a big game against the Ravens last night. Emerging 6'6" freshman Ryan Thomson from Oakville is likely to battle with 6'5" Nemanja Baletic, who hit a huge three for Ottawa last night in the overtime. This game is scheduled to be webcast tonight.
In what would have been a battle of #1 vs. #3 except that both teams lost last night, Carleton visits McMaster Marauders for the Ravens fourth road game of the OUA regular season. Thus far, the Ravens, fielding their least experienced roster in several seasons, have been inconsistent on the road, edging Guelph in a game in which they required a near-miracle to win and then defeating Brock in a tight game in St. Catharines before losing at Lakehead last night. 6'0" Mike Kenny, expected to be one of Carleton's leaders this season, has for the most part struggled offensively as the main decision maker while 6'8" Kevin McCleery, usually the facilitator offensively from the low post, appeared to struggle last night. Young teams tend to lean on any available veteran leadership especially on the road in hostile environments, especially when things are not going their way with calls and/or mental mistakes, and thus far the Ravens barely passed the test in Guelph and were defeated last night. Expect another raucious crowd in Hamilton tonight where Mac has leaned on 6'6" fifth-year senior Keenan Jeppessen in most instances this season. 6'3" freshman guard Victor Raso, who helped ignite Mac in the third quarter last night with a pair of long threes and some scrappy loose ball gets, was unavailable toward the end of last night's game with a suspected finger injury while 6'6" Cam Michaud, who contributed offensively for the Marauders, inadvertently stepped on the foot of a Gee-Gee and turned his ankle, not returning to the game as well. Mac got a defensive lift in the second half from 6'7" freshman Ryan Christie who had several blocks and altered other shots inside. However his apathy in the first half, especially on the defensive glass, contributed to the large deficit Mac faced and ultimately could not overcome. No word on whether or not this game will be webcast tonight but here is the link to the webcast area on Mac's website.
In other games, Western Mustangs, who came from behind to defeat Ryerson last night, are in Toronto to face the Varsity Blues, who gave up a 9 point second half lead to lose to Windsor. Varsity Blues/Western Mustangs webcast at 8 PM. Windsor moves across town to face Ryerson in what should be an athletic contest at Kerr Hall. Here is the link to last night's Ryerson/Western link which hopefully will also have the Lancers/Rams game tonight.
Brock Badgers are in Kingston to face Queen's which was soundly defeated by Guelph last night. In other games, Waterloo hosts York Lions and Laurentian visits Laurier as Vees coach Shawn Swords goes against his mentor at Laurentian Peter Campbell with Coach Campbell likely working overtime to scheme against his son Jamie Campbell, a reserve wing for the Vees.
All games except Laurentian at Laurier and Guelph at RMC (both afternoon games) begin at 8 PM tonight.
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