Thursday 17 February 2011

Martin Timmerman's Waterloo Report

The Waterloo Warriors were unable to contain the depth of the visiting Laurier Golden Hawks and lost by a 77-64 score at the PAC on Wednesday evening. The Waterloo loss combined with the Guelph win over Brock means that Waterloo is officially eliminated from the playoff race.

Before the game Waterloo honoured the four seniors playing their last home game. Tim Rossy, Jordan Hannah, Alan Goodhoofd and Luke Kieswetter all finish their careers on Saturday. Each was presented with a framed photo from the Backboard Club in recognition of their contributions to the Warriors.

Waterloo fell behind early as Kale Harrison scored the first seven Laurier points of the night. By the end of the first quarter Brendan Smith hit two nice jumpers to make it just a 3 point deficit. That momentum carried into the second quarter as Waterloo took their only lead of the game at 18-17. Waterloo would later tie the score twice, but a 9-0 Laurier run in the middle of the period put them ahead for good.

In the second half Laurier had a 10 point bulge midway through the third quarter. Waterloo would narrow the gap to 7-9 points a few times, but were unable to make it close.

Laurier was cold from long range, hitting just 2 of 22 from the three point line. But they were able to get inside on Waterloo and shoot a respectable 43% overall. Waterloo shot just 36% on the night and were
out-rebounded by a 48-38 margin.

Waterloo had three players in double figures, with Tim Rossy hitting for 16 points, while Mike Wright added 13 and Brendan Smith 12. The nagging injury to Cam McIntyre forced him to sit out the game on the bench.

For Laurier, Kale Harrison led all scorers with 26 points while Sharif Wanas added 15 points. Matt Buckley had a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds.

Waterloo now has an 8-13 record in OUA play and will finish the season with a game in Hamilton against McMaster.

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