Recap: Sabean, Pépin pace #7 Gee-Gees in rout of Lakehead

The U SPORTS seventh-ranked Gee-Gees men's basketball team (4-2) did battle with the Lakehead Thunderwolves (2-3) on Friday night at Montpetit Hall, coming away with a decisive 89-53 win.

The Gee-Gees jumped out to 26-11 lead after the first quarter, thanks to lights out shooting from third-year guard Gage Sabean, who has led the Gee-Gees in three pointers made per game this season. The Port Williams, NS native connected on four three-pointers in the opening frame.

The Gee-Gees were able to maintain their lead throughout the second quarter, as a result of their overall defensive activity. Forcing six first half turnovers, the team held the Thunderwolves to 27 first half points on just 33.3 per cent shooting from the field.

The hot shooting from deep continued in the second half for the Gee-Gees. Sabean added another three buckets from behind the arc to bring his total to eight, shooting a blistering 53.3 per cent from three. Calvin Epistola put on his own shooting show in the second half as he had 12 of his 14 points on a perfect 4-4 from long range.

The Gee-Gees defence also remained stout in the second half, not allowing a single Lakehead player to reach double-digits in scoring. Meanwhile, holding the Thunderwolves to a paltry 32.8 per cent from the field and a season low 27.3 per cent from deep.

Other notable performances for the Gee-Gees included 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists from first-year standout Guillaume Pépin, who has been leading the Gee-Gees in scoring so far this season. Epistola also chipped in a game high 8 assists in the win.

The Gee-Gees look to continue their winning ways next weekend as they host more stiff competition from the OUA West. Traveling to Ottawa will be the McMaster Marauders and Brock Badgers, who will take on the Gee-Gees on Friday and Saturday night at Montpetit Hall. Tip-off for both games is set for 8 p.m. Tickets are available at tickets.geegees.ca.