Lethbridge – The Lethbridge Pronghorns were unable to sweep the Manitoba Bisons on Saturday, January 23 night as the home team dropped the second of two games against the Bisons, 102-94 in men's basketball.  

With the road win, Manitoba improves their conference record to 9-5 while Lethbridge drops to 7-6. Bisons are third in Pioneer Division while Lethbridge is tied for fifth in the division.

AJ Basi led the Bisons with 21 points, and his teammate Keith Omoerah finished with a double-double, scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds. Brandon Brine of the 'Horns matched Omoerah's effort with a double-double of his own, scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds. Rob Olsen led the 'Horns in points on the night with 25. 

The 'Horns were all over the Bisons to start the game, going on a 12-2 run to open the game. The Bisons got themselves back into the game with a strong last half of the first quarter, resulting in a knotted up score of 23-23 to end the opening quarter. 

A very similar story in the second quarter as the Lethbridge and Bisons swapped successful possessions, and the Bisons took a very slight 47-46 lead to the dressing room. Keith Omoerah and Brett Jewell lead the offensive charge for the Bisons in the half, scoring 15 points each. For the 'Horns, it was Rob Olsen, who scored 12 points on the half. Zac Overwater chipped in 9 points for the 'Horns. 

The half finished with the home side winning the shooting efficiency battle, going 48.6% from the field, 31.6% on three-pointers, and a perfect 100% from the free throw line. The Bisons kept it close, going 45.7% from the field, 30.8% from the three-point line, and 84.6% on free throws. The Pronghorns took the heavy edge in rebounds, 19-8. 

The Bisons would finally find a way to get some separation from the hosts, and widen the gap in the third quarter, going into the fourth and final quarter leading 72-66. 

The 'Horns would stay close all fourth quarter long, but could never get on a big stop defensively to overcome the six-point deficit they started the quarter with, and the Bisons would head back to Manitoba with the 102-94 win, splitting the weekend series with Lethbridge. 

The Bisons finished the game shooting 48.6% from the field, 37.5% from beyond the arch, and 69.7% from the free throw line. The 'Horns finished almost identical to that, going 48.5% from the field, 35.7% from behind the three-point line, and remained a perfect 100% on the night from the freebie line. Rebounds were almost too close to call, but the Pronghorns just barely edged the Bisons, taking 36 to the Bison's 35. 

Next weekend, the 'Horns will be back at home to host the Alberta Golden Bears. The Bisons will also return home, and host the Regina Cougars on Jan. 29-30 weekend.