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 6th 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 1990-1991 was 4 wins. The Royals achieved that mark twice, once in 1997-1998 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 6th and final playoff spot. The Royals now find themselves in 7th place and only 2 points behind Algoma. The top 6 teams in the OCAA West and East Division each advance to the playoffs.
On Friday, 2 players for Redeemer had double-digit points in the 2 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 1 point at the half (30-29), but outscored Algoma 32-29 in the 2nd.
Joseph Tubbs had a team-high 12 points for the visiting Thunderbirds.
On Saturday, Turnbull once again had a double-double, his 9th 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 2nd 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).
The Lady Royals Basketball team went 1-1 this weekend as they moved their record to 4-8 on the season.
On Friday night against Algoma University, the Royals proved to be somewhat outmatched as the Thunderbirds went on a 20-4 run to start the game on route to a 86-43 victory. The game played out much differently than the 1-point loss earlier in the season at Algoma.
Jesseca Brown had 16 points for Redeemer while no other Royal was able to score double-digit points.
The Royals had no answer for Algoma's Amanda Orr who dropped a game-high 30 points.
Saturday was much different for the Lady Royals as they found themselves in a hole early but were able to claw out of it. Redeemer went into halftime down 26-20 before an 18- 6 run to start the 2nd half gave the Royals the lead for good as they outscored the Cougars 41-20 to end the game.
Veteran Morrisa Lychak had a monstrous game for Redeemer as she recorded 23 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, and 2 steals. Sault College could not stop Lychak as she dominated both offensively and defensively.
Redeemer will get back to the court this week as they also prepare for a road trip to Humber College on Saturday.
