WINNIPEG – In its home opener, the Bisons men's basketball team topped the University of Regina Cougars 83-74 after trailing the whole first half on Friday, Nov. 3 at Investors Group Athletic Centre. 

"We came out with a higher energy level and level of compete in the second half," said Bisons coach Kirby Schepp. "We just needed to refocus." 

The Herd went 10 for 17 in three-pointers and had a shooting efficiency of 57.1 per cent in a dominant third quarter to pull ahead of the Cougars.

Bisons captain Justus Alleyn put up 25 points, including three nothing-but-net three-pointers and an off-balance underhand toss at the baseline. 

The Herd trailed by seven at half-time as the visitors led 44-37.  

After taking the lead in the third quarter, Bisons guard Rashawn Browne swished a deep jumper. The shot was followed up with Browne drawing back-to-back offensive fouls. Browne posted a total of 13 points, while forward James Wagner added another 18.

For the Cougars, Alex Igual led the visitors with 21 points with Brian Ofori notching a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds plus Samuel Hillis added 11 points in the loss.

The Herd came off a pair of wins against the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in Saskatoon last weekend (Oct. 27/28). 

The Bisons finished second in Canada West last season (2016-17), losing to the University of Alberta Golden Bears. The Cougars finished that season with a record of 9-11, and lost out of playoffs to Manitoba in the first round.   

Both teams play again on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. CT.