Box Score
Thunder Bay, ON - The bad news is that the Gryphons let one slip away against Lakehead. The good news is that they have 18 of their 19 regular season games remaining to make up for it. Friday night in Thunder Bay the Gryphons Men's Basketball team lost 65-64 in what was the OUA regular season opener for both teams. Third year point guard Daniel Dooley led all Gryphons in scoring with 12 points, while teammates Jonathan Wallace and Jack Beatty each had 11.

Back on February 25th, the Gryphons had their 2014-15 season come to an end in Thunder Bay with a loss to Lakehead in the opening round of the OUA playoffs. They did not have to wait long to have the opportunity to attone for that loss as the team traveled to the Thunderdome to tip-off their 2015-16 regular season schedule. In what was a tightly contested game throughout, it was anybody's game late in the final quarter.

With the shot clock turned off, the Gryphons found themselves trailing by 3 and needing a big shot from the perimeter to force OT. Although they were unable to get a game-tying three pointer to fall, the Gryphons were able to come up with a huge offensive rebound as Daniel Dooley's follow-up bucket made it a one-point game with 11 seconds to go. On the ensuing in-bounds, the Thunderwolves were late in-bounding the ball and were whistled for a five-second violation. Just like that, the Gryphons had the ball and a chance to win it at the buzzer.

After a drive and kick from Dooley, Ahmed Haroon had a mid-range baseline jumper for the lead. The rim was unkind as his shot bounced around on the iron but would not fall. Once again however, the Gryphons were able to crash the boards and come up with a huge offensive rebound. This time, it was Jack Beatty getting his hands on it. Beatty would be fouled on his put back attempt, meaning he was sent to the free throw line with 0.4 seconds remaining with his team trailing 65-64. With a raucous crowd at the Thunderdome making plenty of noise, Beatty would miss his first free throw attempt, meaning he had to hit his second to force overtime. Beatty, a fifth year senior and an 80% free throw shooter a year ago, would miss his second free throw as well, giving the Thunderwolves a 65-64 victory. Despite the regrettable finish, Beatty was a big reason why the Gryphons were even in the game, pouring in 11 points off the bench and knocking down several clutch three pointers in the game, going 3-for-6 from beyond on the night.

The Gryphons will have a chance to bounce back right away as these two teams will square off again on Saturday (Nov. 7) with tip set for 8pm. The game can be seen live online at OUA.tv.