The Herd just can’t seem to grab a win.

The losing continues for the University of Manitoba Bisons men’s basketball team as their losing streak is extended to eight games as they dropped a 72-62 decision to the Alberta Golden Bears on Friday, February 5, 2010 at the Investors Group Athletic Centre.

The loss puts the Bisons record at 4-14, while Alberta keeps their playoff hopes alive and improves their record to 9-10.

The game started out tight with both teams playing strong defensively while making their shots from the field. Both teams shot well with Manitoba shooting 43 per cent and Alberta shooting at 45 per cent. Bisons guard Nathan Dixon led the way with 13 points in the first half, while forward Sean Maxwell helped out with 10 points and 4 rebounds. They led the Herd to a 36-34 halftime lead.

The third quarter saw the Bisons play sloppy on defence as they let Alberta take control of the game. Manitoba’s shooting percentage dropped dramatically in the third quarter as they only shot 25 per cent. Alberta shot the lights out as they went 9-18 from the field and took a 60-47 lead into the final quarter.

“They brought a higher intensity in the first few minutes,” says Bisons Head Coach Kirby Schepp about the beginning of the second half. “After that it was more about missing shots.”

Alberta kept their steady play going into the fourth quarter. Manitoba was playing hot and cold in the last quarter. Trying to keep his team in the game, guard Jonar Huertas made a great individual effort going up the middle and made a flashy move to the finish.

But the Bears never let the Herd get closer than 10 points. Alberta controlled the rest of the game on their way to the victory.

The Golden Bears were led by guard Jordan Baker who had 18 points and added 7 rebounds. Guard Ken Otieno added 17 points and 7 of his own rebounds as well.

Dixon led the Bisons with a game-high 20 points and added 4 assists. Maxwell chipped in with 15 points and 8 rebounds.

Schepp knows how to prepare for the rematch Saturday against the Golden Bears:

“Stretch the hoop a little bit maybe so more shots go in.” He says laughing.

The Bisons play next in their rematch against the Golden Bears Saturday, February 6, 2010. Game time is set for 8:00 p.m. at the Investors Group Athletic Centre (U of Manitoba campus).