Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos
With both the Algoma Thunderbird women’s and men’s programs coming off home losses on Thursday, January 29th, the Thunderbirds returned to the court on Sunday, February 1st at the George Leach Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, hosting the visiting Carleton Ravens in OUA basketball action.
In the women’s matchup, the Thunderbirds battled hard but were unable to keep pace with the Ravens, falling 66–49.
Algoma received balanced scoring from Riya Donnelly, Mercedes Mazzuca, and Annabelle Lefebvre, who each finished the game with six points. Donnelly logged 29 minutes on the floor, adding two rebounds. Mazzuca contributed one rebound in 24 minutes of action, while Lefebvre was active on the glass, pulling down five rebounds in 20 minutes of play.
Despite strong individual efforts, the Thunderbirds struggled to find consistent offense against a disciplined Carleton defense, allowing the Ravens to pull away as the game progressed.
In the early Sunday afternoon men’s matinee, Algoma faced a tough Carleton squad and came up short, dropping a 91–61 decision.
Logan Whitmell led the Thunderbirds offensively with 11 points, adding two rebounds. Kal-El Alejo followed closely with 10 points and five rebounds in 33 minutes of action. Shalom Anyikwa also reached double figures, scoring 10 points while grabbing one rebound in 23 minutes on the court.
Rounding out the top contributors for Algoma was Oliver Kristoffersen, who chipped in seven points, two rebounds, and 19 minutes of playing time.
Despite moments of strong play, Algoma was unable to slow the Ravens’ offensive rhythm, as Carleton maintained control throughout the contest.
Up next, the Algoma Thunderbirds will now close out the home portion of their 2025–2026 OUA regular season on Friday, February 6th, when they host the McMaster Marauders at the George Leach Centre on the campus of Algoma University.
The women’s game will tip off at 6:00 p.m, followed by the men’s matchup at 8:00 p.m, as the Thunderbirds look to finish their home schedule on a strong note.
