With a very impressive core of returnees being welcomed back to the fold, optimism is running high in the camp of the Laurentian Voyageurs men's basketball team this year.
It's unlikely that anything from their season-opening road trip to southwestern Ontario last weekend is likely to dampen this initial spirit.
Facing a pair of very tough opponents, the L.U. lads returned home with a split, proving themselves more than competitive, even against nationally ranked foes.
Battling the Windsor Lancers Friday night, the Voyageurs went tooth and nail with the number six ranked team in the country.
Down by a pair with just minutes to play, Laurentian eventually faltered, dropping an 86-81 decision on the road. The sibling tandem of Manny and Isiah Pasquale paced the locals offensively, counting 29 and 18 points respectively.
Now in his second year with the Voyageurs, Victoria native Mike Hull provided a dependable inside presence, racking up a total of 15 rebounds.
Laurentian was victimized by a total of 25 turnovers, one stat that coach Shawn Swords is likely to address immediately.
Down 39-30 at the half, the Voyageurs fought back, narrowing the gap to 61-55 heading to the final quarter. Windsor were paced by guard Enrico Di Loreto, lighting it up for a game-high 33 points, with three other Lancers reaching double digits.
Rookie Alex Ratte enjoyed a solid first game with the blue and gold, finishing with 15 points, with Sudburian George Seresse kicking in with nine.
“We did it in a few games earlier this year, and now its time to close out the games in the regular season,” said coach Swords.
They did it the very next night, by the skin of their teeth. Manny Pasquale converted a four-point play with 0.7 seconds to play, lifting Laurentian to an 87-86 victory over the Western Mustangs in an absolute thriller.
The author of the game-winning baskets once again led his team offensively, matching his 29-point performance from one night earlier.
With court time dispersed a little more evenly throughout the lineup, the Voyageurs received valuable contributions from Ratte (16 pts), Hull (14 pts) and Shavaan Sheldon (10 pts).
Ryan Barbeau topped the scoring charts for Western with 27 points, as the Mustangs jumped out to a 22-12 lead after ten minutes of play.
The visitors chisselled their way back into the game, cutting the deficit to just four points at the half, 45-41 before enjoying a 19-13 third quarter run.
“It was good all around game, and we’re happy to be 1-1," said Swords. "We need to clean up our defense and get ready for Brock next weekend.”
Laurentian returns home to welcome a pair of Western Division opponents, facing the Brock Badgers on Friday night at the Ben Avery Gym (8:00 p.m.) and hitting the floor with the McMaster Marauders the next night at the same place, same time.
