Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos

On Thursday, January 29th, the George Leach Centre on the campus of Algoma University was the site of a rare Thursday evening OUA basketball doubleheader as the Algoma Thunderbirds women’s and men’s programs welcomed the visiting Ottawa Gee-Gees to Sault Ste. Marie. The special midweek matchup brought high-level university basketball to the local hardcourt, with both Thunderbirds squads facing one of the OUA’s strong programs in a challenging night of competition.

In women’s action, Sadie Grawbarger led Algoma with a strong all-around performance, recording 12 points and 8 rebounds in 36 minutes of play in the 80–40 loss to Ottawa. Mercedes Mazzuca followed with 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 31 minutes on the floor, while Bernadette Maranan rounded out the Thunderbirds’ top performers with 7 points and 6 rebounds in 19 minutes of action. Despite the final score, Algoma showed resilience and effort throughout the contest against a deep and disciplined Gee-Gees lineup.

In the men’s game, Logan Whitmell paced the Thunderbirds offensively with 13 points and 5 rebounds in 26 minutes of play in a 92–55 loss to Ottawa. Kal-El Aljeo added 10 points and 2 rebounds in 29 minutes, while Oliver Kristoffersen also finished with 10 points and 2 rebounds over 27 minutes on the court, rounding out the top scorers for Algoma in the nightcap.

Check out Freeze Frame Photos by Bob Davies photo galleries of the Ottawa Gee Gees versus Algoma Thunderbirds in women’s and men’s OUA action

The Thunderbirds now turn their focus to their next home matchup on February 1st at the George Leach Centre, where they will host the Carleton Ravens. The women tip off at 10:00 a.m., followed by the men’s game at 12:00 p.m., as Algoma looks to regroup and defend home court in another big OUA showdown in Sault Ste. Marie.