It had been almost two years since the Warriors men's basketball team had last battled on their home court in an OUA regular season contest, but the squad showed very little rust, defeating the Windsor Lancers 81-75 marking their first win against the Lancers since 2017. The back-and-forth contest saw multiple lead changes throughout and went right down to the wire, a great game to unveil the brand-new Carl Totzke Court. Family members of the late Carl Totzke were joined alongside Associate Provost, Students Chris Read, and current Director of Athletics and Recreation,
Roly Webster for a ceremonial unveiling of the new court.
The Warriors utilized their depth throughout the first half to keep the Lancers within striking distance as eight Warriors were able to connect as the they went into halftime trailing 42-37. It was a big 15-4 run to start the third quarter, capped off by a dunk by
Kanayo Nnadi (Kitchener, ON/Eastwood Collegiate) that sparked the Warriors and put them in the drivers seat as they led 62-53 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Warriors sealed the victory with some big plays down the stretch by their veteran leaders.
Nedim Hodzic (Waterloo, ON/Sir John A. Macdonald Secondary) came down with some big-time rebounds in crunch time while sharpshooting guard
Justin Malnerich (Cambridge, ON/St. Benedict's Catholic Secondary) hit a dagger three-point shot as the shot clock was expiring and two free throws to ice the game in the final minute for the black and gold.
Leading the way for the Warriors was former Windsor Lancer and fourth year guard
Kanayo Nnadi (Kitchener, ON/Eastwood Collegiate) with 15 points, making three 3-pointers in the process. Hodzic also had a fantastic start to his final season as a Warrior, posting a near triple-double with 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. Malnerich also added 13 while four year
Kuel Thomas (Kitchener, ON/Huron Heights Secondary) added 14 off the bench.
The Warriors will face off against the Lancers this coming Saturday as they wrap up their season series at the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse in Windsor with tipoff set for 8pm.
