WINNIPEG — First quarter touchdowns from their offence and defence gave Manitoba the lead over UBC, and they didn't give it up on Saturday afternoon. The Bisons (2-2) won their Homecoming Game over the Thunderbirds (0-4), 37-19 at IG Field.

The Bisons' run game powered their offence in this one, as the three-headed attack of Victor St. Pierre-Laviolette, Michael Ritchott, and Logan Fischer led Manitoba to 260 yards on the ground — well out-pacing the 106 totalled by UBC.

"It's such a luxury to have three guys like that, who can rotate," said Bisons head coach Brian Dobie.

"These specific backs too, because Logan is a back who can get a yard for us and he does that if we use him accordingly. The other two are speed and make people miss and delivering the punches. We're fortunate to have those three guys."

St. Pierre-Laviolette led all players with 108 rush yards on 13 carries. Ritchott chipped in 68 on eight rushes, while Fischer had 65 on six carries.

Turnovers and penalties were the crux for the Thunderbirds, meanwhile, who are still winless on the season.

Quarterback Tommy Yanchuk threw two first-half interceptions, including one that was returned to the house by Bisons corner Arjay Shelley, and was pulled from the game in the second quarter.

The Thunderbirds got some life, however, when Daniel Appiah returned a Manitoba punt 88 yards for a touchdown. The score cut what was a 20-2 lead to an 11-point game. 

In the second half, though, second-year pivot Gabe Olivares — who replaced Yanchuk — threw another critical pick, this one in the fourth quarter to Manitoba halfback Shae Weekes. Just before that, UBC had made it a two-score game again with a 33-yard rushing touchdown by Jacob Patten.

The open door was squandered, though, as Manitoba was able to hold a lead and seal the win with a Matt Riley field goal — one of three in the game — in the last two minutes.

UBC also had 115 penalty yards, compared to just 52 for the Bisons.

The Bisons play at home again in Week 5 as they take on Regina, while UBC returns to Vancouver to take on Alberta.