SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. — The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold men's basketball team won their second consecutive game after defeating the Algoma Thunderbirds 99-46 on Saturday. 

A relentless defensive masterclass resulted in a season-high 31 points off turnovers. The Bold also forced 24 turnovers, which matched their season-high total against the McMaster Maurauders on Nov. 5.

With the victory, the Bold improved to 6-2 and remain in the race for the top spot in the OUA Central standings. 

Third-year wing Deandre Goulbourne got things started after a transition pitch ahead put the ball in his hands on the left wing. Goulbourne drove to the rim with a burst of speed for two points despite getting fouled. A few possessions later, TMU's leading scorer Aaron Rhooms (21.1 points per game) knocked down a three-pointer from the left hash mark. Rhooms finished with nine points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.

On the next defensive possession, Rhooms snatched the ball out of the air for a lane steal. As TMU raced down the court, the ball moved to guard Kevin Toth, who subsequently floated an alley-oop pass into the air for Aidan Wilson. The six-foot-11 forward flushed it down for two points.

Toth later extended the lead to 10-2 with a left corner three. This forced the Thunderbirds to call a timeout. 

Algoma deployed a 1-2-2 full-court press to begin the second quarter. After conceding only nine points in the first 10 minutes of the opening period, the Bold gave up seven points in the first three minutes of the second frame. TMU responded by going into a press of their own. The Thunderbirds had difficulty dealing with the swarming pressure throughout most of the contest. 

The Bold held the Thunderbirds scoreless for 5:40 in the second quarter. By halftime, TMU led Algoma 43-18. 

Logan Whitmell was a bright spot for Algoma. He finished with 17 points and four rebounds. But the Bold's decision to extend their defence was too much for their opposition to overcome. 

TMU's depth also contributed to the dominating performance. The bench outscored Algoma's substitutes 53-11. 

The Bold next take the court against the Laurentian Voyageurs on Nov. 28. Tip-off is slated for 8:00 p.m. on OUA.tv.