The Wayne State College men's basketball team lost two close games over the weekend on their international trip to Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada.
In the game on Sunday afternoon against the University of Manitoba, the Wildcats captured a 15 point lead midway through the third quarter only to see the host Bison heat up from three point range as UM scorched the nets with seven straight threes in route to a 92-88 win over WSC. Wayne State was led by senior forward Derrell Williams with 24 points and nine rebounds while freshman Ben Galemmo chipped in 15 points (3-5 from long range), four assists and four steals. Senior Ayron Worthington added 17 points and five rebounds while junior Ty Bauschek contributed 16 points (3-6 from behind the arc).
Monday's game against University of Winnipeg once again saw the 'Cats take a lead in the second half as WSC built a seven point lead over the host Wesmen. Derrell Williams missed a final effort tip-in at the buzzer as the Wildcats dropped the second game of their Canadian tour 67-66. Williams was again WSC's leading scorer with 23 points (11-16 shooting) along with 10 rebounds and five steals. Junior guard LaTroy Wright added six points and three assists while Galemmo scored nine points and Bauschek chipped in eight in the loss.
"Our trip to Winnipeg was very beneficial for our entire program. The teams we played were extremely competitive and were gracious hosts throughout the weekend,” stated head coach Paul Combs. “Our student-athletes were able to spend some quality time together in a unique city setting and experience the diverse culture Winnipeg and the surrounding areas had to offer. We will use these experiences on a daily basis as we prepare for the upcoming 2012-13 season."
Both games were played without two returning starters as Adol Aluong and Amry Shelby did not suit up for the Wildcats as they were nursing injuries. Wayne State opens their season on November 9th and 10th at the Southwest Baptist Tournament in Bolivar, Missouri.
