Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos
The Algoma Thunderbirds women’s and men’s basketball programs hit the road on January 23rd and 24th, traveling east to Kingston to face the Queen’s Gaels before continuing south to Oshawa to take on the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks in a weekend of OUA action.
The Thunderbird women opened the weekend on Friday afternoon in Kingston, where they faced a strong Queen’s Gaels squad. Algoma fell 106–34, with Brooke Gruhn leading the way offensively, recording 20 points and three rebounds in 28 minutes of play. Taylor Randall contributed five points and five rebounds over 27 minutes, while Elia Galdos added four points and two rebounds in 22 minutes. Sadie Grawbarger also chipped in with four points and five rebounds during her 24 minutes on the floor.
Looking to bounce back, Algoma took the court Saturday evening in Oshawa against the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks. Despite a more competitive showing, the Thunderbirds dropped a 75–57 decision. Sadie Grawbarger paced Algoma with an impressive 18-point performance, logging all 40 minutes of action. Riya Donnelly followed with 14 points and five rebounds in 32 minutes, while Elia Galdos posted a near double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds over 21 minutes.
On the men’s side, Algoma opened the road trip with a late Friday afternoon tipoff against Queen’s in Kingston. The Thunderbirds were unable to keep pace, falling 91–44. Kal-El Alejo led Algoma with nine points and three rebounds in 26 minutes. Oliver Kristoffersen added six points and one rebound in 20 minutes, while Logan Whitmell finished with five points and seven rebounds over 25 minutes.
The men rebounded in a big way in Saturday’s matchup against Ontario Tech, earning an 88–83 victory in Oshawa. The win marked Algoma’s second victory in four games and their second of the 2025–2026 OUA season. Kal-El Alejo delivered a standout performance with 24 points and five rebounds in 38 minutes. Logan Whitmell followed closely with 23 points and two rebounds in 24 minutes, while Oliver Kristoffersen rounded out the top scorers with 14 points and two rebounds in 31 minutes.
Up next, the Thunderbirds now return home to host two OUA programs from the nation’s capital. Algoma will welcome the Ottawa Gee-Gees for a rare Thursday evening doubleheader on January 29th, with tipoff scheduled for 6:00 p.m. (women) and 8:00 p.m. (men). The homestand continues on February 1st, when the Thunderbirds host the Carleton Ravens, with game times set for 10:00 a.m. (women) and 12:00 p.m. (men).
