Photo Credit: Arya Patel
Over the September 18–20 weekend, the George Leach Centre on the campus of Algoma University was the home of pre-season basketball action as the Algoma Thunderbirds women’s and men’s programs hosted a tournament featuring several Ontario university basketball programs.
The women’s tournament included the Nipissing Lakers, Lambton Lions and Fanshawe Falcons, while the men’s side featured the Laurentian Voyageurs and Lambton Lions alongside the host Thunderbirds.
The weekend provided Algoma with an opportunity to test its lineup, evaluate players and build chemistry before the regular season gets underway in October.
Friday: Thunderbirds Open Tournament with Split
The tournament opened Friday afternoon with the Algoma women’s team taking on the Nipissing Lakers.
The Thunderbirds came away with a narrow 55-52 victory, getting their weekend off to a positive start in front of the home crowd at the George Leach Centre.
The men’s team followed Friday evening against the Laurentian Voyageurs. Laurentian controlled the contest and earned a 79-54 victory over the Thunderbirds.
Saturday: Women’s Team Adds Another Win
Saturday’s action began with Nipissing facing Lambton in the women’s division, with the Lakers recording a 72-52 victory over the Lions.
The men’s tournament continued in the afternoon as Laurentian battled Lambton. The Voyageurs picked up their second win of the weekend with an 82-67 victory.
Algoma’s women returned to the court Saturday evening against the Fanshawe Falcons.
The Thunderbirds put together another strong performance, defeating Fanshawe 55-48 to move to 2-0 during the weekend tournament.
Sunday: Thunderbirds Finish Strong
The final day of tournament action began with Nipissing taking on Fanshawe in the women’s division. The Lakers continued their strong weekend with a 64-47 victory over the Falcons.
Algoma’s women then returned to the court for their final game of the tournament, facing the Lambton Lions.
The Thunderbirds closed out their women’s schedule in impressive fashion, earning a 69-51 victory over Lambton.
The Algoma men’s team wrapped up the weekend Sunday afternoon against Lambton.
The Thunderbirds saved their biggest offensive performance of the tournament for the final game, putting up 90 points in a 90-57 victory over the Lions.
Looking Ahead to the Regular Season
With the pre-season tournament now complete, both Algoma basketball programs can turn their attention toward the upcoming 2026-2027 OUA basketball season.
The Thunderbirds will officially open their regular-season schedule on Friday, October 23, when Algoma hosts the Brock Badgers at the George Leach Centre.
The women’s game is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 8:00 p.m.
The three-day tournament gave both Thunderbirds programs valuable game experience against OUA competition and an opportunity to make final preparations before the regular season begins.
For Algoma, the countdown to October 23 is now underway as both the women’s and men’s teams prepare to open their regular-season campaigns on home court.
