MBB | Voyageurs Stumble in Fourth Quarter, Fall 69-66

The Laurentian Voyageurs Men's Basketball team looked to bounce back at home following a couple of blow out defeats at the hands of the OUA giants from Ottawa. For their annual Shoot for the Cure night the Vee's hosted the rival Nipissing Lakers. In addition to bragging rights over one another, the teams were playing for third place in the OUA North. Though the victory seemed in hand for Laurentian, the drop in their play in the fourth quarter led to a 69-66 loss. The defeat puts the Vee's at 4-9 on the season and drops them into fourth place in the division and out of the playoff picture.

The first quarter saw both teams struggle to make their mark on offense, with Laurentian shooting 26.2% and Nipissing shooting 33.3%. While the Voyageurs were able to penetrate into the paint on many possessions, they were unable to put the ball through the cup. For the Lakers, it was their sloppy passing and dribbling good for 12 turnovers that ruined their half.

Following the break the Laurentian offense looked more like the unit that last played in the Ben Avery, knocking down their open shots and getting to the loose balls. Kadre Gray took command of the game, scoring on what seemed like every trip. Gray finished with 25 points in the half. While the Lakers continued their first half ways in the third, the squad found their way in the final frame. The roles now seemed reversed, with Nipissing in control on offense and Laurentian fumbling to grab points. Thanks to a 27 point fourth the Lakers completed their comeback and took sole possession of third place in the OUA North.

Gray led all scorers 36 points and it was Justin Shaver's double double of 15 points, 13 rebounds that led the way for the Lakers.

With tomorrow off, the Voyageurs next game comes on the road against the York Lions (4-7) next Friday beginning at 8PM.

Stay up-to-date with the Voyageurs by following @LUVoyageurs on Twitter.