REDEEMER 61, ALGOMA 59

The Redeemer Royals men's basketball team entered the weekend with one goal in mind, to position themselves for a push to the playoffs. The Royals not only did that this weekend, but they broke down a historic record as well. The men's team made a statement by sweeping Algoma University and Sault College and winning their sixth game of the season.

The Royals defeated Algoma University on Friday night 61-59 to upset the Thunderbirds and set the record for the most wins in a season by a Redeemer men's basketball team. On Saturday, Redeemer won their sixth game of the season, defeating the Sault Cougars 68-61, and building on the newly broken record.

The previous high for the program that began in 1990-91 was four wins. The Royals achieved that mark twice, once in 1997-98 and also in 1999-2000. Since that time, Redeemer men's basketball teams and players have come and gone and despite fielding some competitive teams, have only managed to secure 20 wins in the past 12 years.

The Royals can put that record behind them now and strictly focus on making the playoffs. The 2-0 record this weekend has positioned the team right back in the hunt. Defeating Algoma University on Friday night was arguably the biggest win of the season for Redeemer, as a loss would have almost eliminated the Royals as the Thunderbirds currently sit in the sixth and final playoff spot. The Royals now find themselves in seventh place and only two points behind Algoma. The top six teams in the OCAA West and East Division each advance to the playoffs.

On Friday, two players for Redeemer had double-digit points in the two-point win over Algoma as Calvin Turnbull had 15 points and Chris McFadden-Martin had 13. Turnbull also added 14 rebounds for the double-double.

The Royals trailed by one point at the half (30-29), but outscored Algoma 32-29 in the second.

Joseph Tubbs had a team-high 12 points for the visiting Thunderbirds.

On Saturday, Turnbull once again had a double-double, his ninth straight, with 17 points and 17 rebounds. McFadden-Martin had a game-high 18 points for Redeemer and Benn Ibrahim added 14.

Redeemer got off to a huge start with a 21-8 run to start the game and entered the half leading 41-23. Sault College clawed back in the second half and outscored the Royals 38-27 but the lead was to much as Redeemer was able to hold on for the win.

Jason Ledgister had 14 points for Sault College in the loss.

The Royals will get back to practice today as they prepare for a big game on the road this Saturday against Humber College (8-4).

Source: Redeemer University College