News Releases

Men
Starting off the second half of their season, the Providence Freemen Men’s basketball team traveled to Oak Hills Christian College to compete in the NIAC-MCAC Crossover Tournament. On Saturday, January 7, 2012, the team matched up against the defending tournament champions, Trinity Bible College, who went on to win the tournament title. For much of the first half, the Freemen held their ground against the Trinity Lions, staying even on the scoreboard. With a slight breakdown on defense, and with quick transition runs by the Lions, Providence went down 30-42 at the half.

Chris Funk selected for NIAC-MCAC All tournament team

In the second half, Trinity’s guards Miguel Rosario and AJ Anthony took control of the game putting scoring pressure on the Freemen. The Freemen played a strong second half but fell 82-62 at the final buzzer. Junior Chris Funk (Steinbach, MB) led the team with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists, while Johnathan Thompson (Nassau, Bahamas) also pitched in 20 pts and 4 steals.

The loss meant the team would have to play again that same night against the Brandon squad, Assiniboine Community College. ACC who were only coming off a two game break, showed no sign of weakness, grabbing big boards and hitting shots early and often. The lead was maintained and ACC defeated the Freemen 86-68. Funk played strong for Providence recording 29 points, 12 rebounds and 5 steals and was selected for the NIAC-MCAC Crossover All-Tournament team. Again, Thompson brought in 16 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals.

The Providence squad will look to earn another win off the Red River Rebels on Wednesday, January 11th at Providence (8:00pm). And with the addition of four new players to the roster; Ramon Dames (Poteau, OK), King Tshibanda (Brampton, ON), Picasso Knowles (Freeport, Bahamas), and Mumba Mulenga (Kentville, NS), it is only a matter of time before the team’s chemistry will really impact their game.

Women

Over the weekend, the Lady Freemen also visited Oak Hills Christian College to play out the women’s bracket. Despite being short two integral players for the weekend, the Lady Freemen pushed hard with limited subs. Receiving a bye, Providence matched up to play the Trinity Lions on Saturday morning. Although they finished with a tough 86-40 loss, sophomore Kristi Larson (Gardner, ND) and freshman Breanne Mahara demonstrated outstanding performances, pitching in 15 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 9 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals and 3 assists, respectively.

Kristi Larson selected for NIAC-MCAC All tournament team

Replicating the men’s situation, the women had to play a second game against ACC on Saturday night. With the opportunity to work on offensive issues, the Lady Freemen, despite a slow start, pulled ahead and secured the win 67-27 placing them in the third place final. Top stat getters were sophomore Christine Parker (Winnipeg, MB) with 15 points, a record high of 17 rebounds, 5 steals, and 4 assists; Breanne Mahara (Fannystelle, MB) also with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists; and junior Mel Warkentine (Winkler, MB) with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Down to 6 players for Sunday’s game, Providence toughed out the third place game against the strong College Wesmen squad. With running time, the Wesmen hit early shots and set the tempo of the game. With an aggressive run at the end, the Lady Freemen did not give up easy but it was too little too late. The final score for the game was 50-29 for the Wesmen. Larson, Warkentine, and Parker each finished with 9 points a piece; while Parker grabbed 12 rebounds. Larson was nominated to the NIAC-MCAC Crossover All-Tournament team.

The Lady Freemen’s next home game is against the Red River Rebels on Wednesday, January 11th at 6pm. Stay connected and tune in for Providence athletic news at www.providencecollege.ca/athletics.