LETHBRIDGE – On the heels of a one-point nail-biter against the University of Manitoba Bisons, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns outlasted the Bisons 82-78 to record their fifth straight victory, and second consecutive series sweep.

Trailing after the first quarter, the Pronghorns used a thorough second and third quarter to head into the final frame with a 65-53 lead. With the game as close as 42-39 in the third quarter, Pronghorns captain Kacie Bosch, and transfer guard Jessica Haenni would combine for 18 of the Pronghorns' 25 third quarter points to give the home side a 12-point cushion heading into the final quarter.

Both teams would find open shots to start the fourth quarter, as a 6-5 stretch in favor of the 'Horns would put Lethbridge up 71-58. From there, back to back fouls on the 'Horns would give Manitoba points, before a three pointer and layup from Keziah Brothers would trim the Pronghorns lead to 71-67. After a stretch of baskets that saw the Lethbridge lead dwindle to 73-71, Kacie Bosch would strip the Bisons on a potential game tying possession. Her steal would lead to an Isabel Rattai three pointer which would put the 'Horns back up 76-71 with 2:56 to play. The last three minutes of play would see the Pronghorns defense hold off the Bisons.

With this weekend sweep, the Pronghorns improve to 5-1 on the season, while the Bisons drop to 2-2.

The home side was led by fifth-year senior Kacie Bosch who posted 24 points on 4 of 7 shooting from three-point range. Jessica Haenni would add 15 points, connecting on 3 of 6 three-point shots. Katie Keith would lead the team in rebounds with 12, while chipping in offensively with 15 points. The Pronghorns shot an impressive 44% percent from the field, while outrebounding the Bisons by ten, 47 to 37.

The Bisons were led by fourth-year forward Addison Martin who scored 21 points on 8 of 14 shooting, while Taylor Randall would add 19 points. The Bisons also shot the ball well, connecting at a 40% rate from the field.

The Pronghorns got off to a slow start, characterized by an inability to hold onto the ball both on offense, and on the glass. Blistering pressure by the Bisons would overwhelm the home side in the early going as the visitors jumped out to a 11-5 start. From there, the 'Horns would match the defensive pressure of Manitoba, forcing turnovers while tracking down rebounds. With the score at 11-9, the Bisons would once again find their form which led them to early success in the quarter. Fourth-year forward Addison Martin would lead the charge in a 7-2 Bisons run, before a strong finish by the 'Horns would bring the score to 20-16 after the first quarter. Martin would finish the quarter with 13 points.

The 'Horns would come out ready to play to start the second quarter, scoring on consecutive possessions to tie the game 20-20. The offense would cool off from that point on, as an aggressive Bisons side would attack the glass in a 9-2 run to make it 29-22 for Manitoba. The Pronghorns would find a new gear from that point on, led by a barrage of three consecutive 3-pointers. Kacie Bosch would connect on back to back threes, before Savannah McKee would join in on the fun. Additional offense from Jessica Haenni, Amy Mazutinec and Jessica Zarowny would see the Pronghorns take a 40-34 lead into halftime.

Energized out of halftime, the Bisons would start the third quarter with a 9-2 run. Aggressive on offense, the Bisons created space for their shots, effectively using screens to free up their shooters. With the 'Horns lead cut to 42-39, the home team looked to their captain. Seeking out the ball, Kacie Bosch would connect on back to back three pointers to guide the 'Horns to a ten-point lead, 53-43. With the Bisons fighting back, third year transfer guard Jessica Haenni would takeover for the home side on offense, scoring 9 of the Pronghorns remaining 12 points in the quarter. The Pronghorns would take a 65-53 lead into the final quarter.

The Pronghorns would showcase their grit in the final quarter, holding onto their sizeable lead to record the victory.

The Pronghorns will head west next weekend as they make a visit to Abbotsford to face the University of Fraser Valley Cascades, before travelling to UBC the following weekend to close out the first half of the season. The Bisons will play a home-and-home with the Winnipeg Wesman, before hosting the UFV Cascades to finish off the year.