LETHBRIDGE – After earning their first victory of the season in a weekend split against the Brandon Bobcats last weekend, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns fell to the University of Manitoba Bisons 101-99 in a thrilling back-and-forth affair.
It was a game of runs for both sides throughout the night. A wild second quarter saw the Pronghorns hold a 45-33 lead, before a 21-2 run by the Bisons had them leading 54-47 at the half. Equally, the third quarter saw the Bisons lead 70-65 at the five-minute mark of the quarter, before a 15-5 run would put the 'Horns on top 80-75 to start the final quarter.
Both teams were determined to leave the floor with a win, matching baskets in the first four minutes of the fourth quarter. With the score at 89-82 for the 'Horns, three consecutive Pronghorn fouls would open the door for the Bisons. With their lead down to two, 89-87, Scott Mazutinec would connect on a three pointer, before a Colton Gibb jumper would restore a 95-87 lead for the 'Horns. Almost according to script, the Bisons would battle back with an eight-point run to tie the game 95-95 with 2:36 to play.
After missing two of four on consecutive free throw attempts, the 'Horns would take a 97-95 before Rashawn Browne of the Bisons would hit a contested step back jumper to tie the game. Following a shot attempt from Chad Oviatt which rimmed in and out of the basket, Keiran Zziwa would drive hard to the basket and finish strong to put his team up by two, 99-97. Failing to capitalize on the ensuing inbound, the 'Horns would foul Browne, who would only connect on 1 of his 2 attempts. Down by three, Chad Oviatt would put back a missed three-point attempt from Scott Mazutinec to pull the Pronghorns within one, 100-99. After another 1 of 2 trip to the free throw line from Browne, the home side would be unable to find a basket on their final possession of the game.
With the loss, the Pronghorns drop to 1-4 on the season, while the Bisons improve to 3-0.
The home side was led by a balanced attack, with eight of their nine dressed players scoring. Colton Gibb led the way with 19 points, while Jeff Rodehutskors, Keanu Funa, Chad Oviatt, and Brett Warren all chipped in with 18, 16, 14, and 11. Kyle Peterson led the team in assists with 11, while Scott Mazutinec posted a team high 9 rebounds.
The Bisons were led by fourth-year forward James Wagner who scored 25 points while adding 10 rebounds. Captain Rashawn Browne added 23 points, while Keiran Zziwa chipped in 20 points and five boards.
Both teams came out firing out of the gate, trading baskets in transition. The 'Horns would rely on their rotating center tandem in the early going, as Jeff Rodehutskors and Zachary Coleman-Bock would set the tone on offense and defense. Rodehutskors would be the go-to option for the 'Horns offense when he was on the floor, posting 10 points in the quarter. Keiran Zziwa and James Wagner would lead the early charge for the Bisons, combining for 15 points.
The 'Horns would start the second quarter with a bang, as Rodehutskors and Colton Gibb would score consecutive layups for the home side. The Bisons refused to let the home side build momentum, as rookie transfer Vojtech Rudicky from the Czech Republic National Team would respond with a three off the bench. From there, Colton Gibb began to make his presence felt, scoring back-to-back buckets off Pronghorn offensive rebounds. The 'Horns refused to take their foot off the gas, as Scott Mazutinec and Kyle Peterson would connect on two straight three pointers prompting a Bisons timeout. Trailing 45-33, the Bisons would embark on a 21-2 run out of the timeout to take a 54-47 lead into halftime.
Following a Bisons three pointer to start the quarter, the Pronghorns would begin to find their groove, embarking on a 9-0 run. The 'Horns would begin to attack the paint unrelentingly, drawing four consecutive fouls in their run. With the 'Horns having cut the Bisons lead to one, 57-56, Manitoba captain Rashawn Browne would take over for his side. Back to back three pointers, a nifty assist into the post, and then a soft jumper would restore a 68-62 lead for the visitors. Resilient, the Pronghorns would once again catch fire, as a 8-2 run would tie the game at 70. The duo of Jeff Rodehutskors and Brett Warren would then keep the Pronghorn flame lit, combining for seven points and three assists. With the spark, the Pronghorns would take a 80-75 lead into the final quarter.
The last ten minutes would prove to be a back and forth war, with the Bisons ultimately emerging on top to stay undefeated on the season.
The Pronghorns and Bisons will meet again tomorrow night to wrap up the weekend series. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at the First Choice Savings Center in Lethbridge.
