The Algoma University Thunderbirds women’s and men’s basketball programs travelled to Canada’s capital over the October 30th and 31st weekend for a four-game road trip against two of the toughest opponents on their schedule, taking on the Carleton Ravens on Friday before closing out the weekend against the Ottawa Gee-Gees on Saturday.

Both Thunderbird programs faced difficult competition throughout the weekend, with the women’s and men’s teams each looking to find their offensive rhythm against their Ottawa opponents. Despite some individual performances, Algoma came away from the road trip without a victory, dropping all four contests.

Friday, October 30 – Thunderbirds Open Against Carleton Ravens
The women’s basketball team opened the weekend at 6:00 p.m. against the Carleton Ravens, looking to get the road trip started on a positive note.

Carleton established control of the matchup, limiting Algoma to 36 points while putting together a 69-point offensive performance to secure a 69-36 victory.

Benie Bambila led the Thunderbirds offensively with 11 points in 21 minutes of action, adding two rebounds. Justine Pierre contributed nine points and eight rebounds in 27 minutes, while Sadie Grambarger recorded five points and six rebounds over 30 minutes on the floor.

Carleton had three players reach double figures, led by Kyana-Jade Poulin, who finished with 13 points and three rebounds in 18 minutes. Tyanne Matosas-Adderly added 12 points and three rebounds, while Florence Fortin chipped in 11 points and one rebound.

The men’s teams followed at 8:00 p.m. as Algoma looked to close out Friday with a stronger result against the Ravens.

Carleton continued its strong performance, defeating the Thunderbirds 82-44.

Oliver Kristoffersen led Algoma with 12 points and one rebound in 15 minutes of action. Kal-El Alejo added 10 points and two rebounds in 29 minutes, while Tyson Francisco contributed six points and two rebounds in 24 minutes.

The Ravens received an impressive offensive performance from Augustas Brazdeikis, who led all scorers with 18 points and five rebounds in 23 minutes. Tyler Brown added 15 points and five rebounds in 21 minutes, while Nelson Cilien finished with 14 points and five rebounds.

Saturday, October 31 – Ottawa Gee-Gees Close Out Weekend
The Thunderbirds returned to the court Saturday to wrap up their Ottawa road trip against the Gee-Gees, with both programs hoping to finish the weekend on a positive note.

The women’s matchup tipped off first, with Ottawa continuing to provide a difficult challenge for Algoma.

The Gee-Gees secured a 77-52 victory, handing the Thunderbirds their second loss of the weekend.

Alycia St Martin-Balan led Algoma with 13 points and three rebounds in 24 minutes. Justine Pierre followed with 12 points and two rebounds in 21 minutes, while Benie Bambila recorded eight points and six rebounds in 16 minutes of action.

With the women’s game complete, the men’s teams took the floor looking to close out the road trip with a victory.

Algoma showed improved offensive production compared to Friday’s contest, putting 63 points on the board, but Ottawa proved too much to handle, earning an 83-63 victory.

Kal-El Alejo led the Thunderbirds with 14 points and two rebounds in 34 minutes. Oliver Kristoffersen contributed 12 points in 27 minutes, while Jean-Luc Cubahiro also finished with 12 points, adding six rebounds in 18 minutes of action.

Ottawa had three players reach double figures, led by Justin Tounkara with 14 points and six rebounds in 25 minutes. Jeremy Lalonde also recorded 14 points and two rebounds in 23 minutes, while Isaac Pierre-Louis contributed 10 points and four rebounds in 19 minutes.

Thunderbirds Turn Attention to Upcoming Home Stand
Following a challenging weekend in the nation’s capital, the Algoma Thunderbirds will return to Sault Ste. Marie as they prepare for two upcoming home dates at the George Leach Centre.

Algoma will welcome the Laurentian Voyageurs on Thursday, November 5, before hosting the York Lions on Saturday, November 7.

Both evenings will feature women’s and men’s doubleheaders, with the women’s games tipping off at 6:00 p.m. followed by the men’s matchups at 8:00 p.m.

The Thunderbirds will look to regroup, make adjustments and take advantage of home-court support as they prepare to welcome two new opponents to Sault Ste. Marie.

With four home games approaching over the two dates, Algoma will have an opportunity to get back on track and give its supporters plenty to cheer about at the George Leach Centre.