ALGOMA 94, SAULT 31

It was a special night at Algoma University, as the Thunderbirds basketball program played their final home games as a member of the Ontario College Athletics Association (OCAA). Fittingly, the games were played against their cross-town rivals from Sault College.

In the women's game, Algoma raced out to an early lead and never let up, easily beating Sault College 94-31. Brianna Mandolesi led Algoma with 18 points, while Corina Bruni and Amanda Orr added 15 and 12 points, respectively. Hailey Bomhof had nine points in a losing cause for Sault College. With the win, Algoma completes the regular season with a record of 16-2 earning a bye into the OCAA provincial championship taking place Feb. 28 to March 2 at Humber College in Etobicoke. Their quarter-final game is scheduled for Feb. 28 at 1 p.m. against the winner of Niagara/Seneca.

The men's game was more of a struggle for the Thunderbirds as they experienced some cold shooting before eventually defeating the Cougars 61-50. Mark Wortham led Algoma with 17 points, and Samy Mohamed scored 14 in the win. Kojo Afari had 17 points for Sault College. Algoma has little time to rest, as they now head to Ottawa to face Algonquin this Saturday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. The winner of that game will then advance to the OCAA provincial championship taking place Feb. 28 to March 2 at Seneca College in North York.

Last night's games represented the end of an era for Algoma University Athletics as the Thunderbirds will be making the transition to the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) beginning in the Fall of 2013. As part of the night's festivities, Algoma University recognized a number of former athletes who played a pivotal role in the on-going development of varsity athletics at Algoma over the past 12 years. Those in attendance were presented with a commemorative plaque displaying many of Algoma's OCAA championship and academic awards banners.

In support of the Algoma University Student Food Bank, the Athletics Department donated $5 for every point scored by the Thunderbirds, ultimately ending with a grand total of $775.

Algoma University Athletics also recognized graduating student-athletes from the basketball teams including Meagan Delfre (Law & Justice), Brianna Mandolesi (Business), Corina Bruni (Psychology), Ethan Campbell (Law & Justice), Aaron Jackson (Business), and Jovain Wilson (Sociology).

Source: Algoma University