WINNIPEG – The Regina Cougars (7-8) exploded for a season-high 98 points in a 98-81 victory over the Manitoba Bisons (7-8) Friday night at the Investors Group Athletic Centre.

Friday's 179-point game was the highest scoring game of the season for both clubs.

Guard Michaela Kleisinger was fantastic for the Cougars, recording 23 points and 12 assists on 10-of-16 shooting.

"She's the heart of our team right now. She runs everything and had to defend Taylor Randall which is always a hard task but she did a great job," said Regina head coach Dave Taylor.

Randall, along with teammate Addison Martin, led Manitoba with 18 points each. Martin added 12 rebounds for her second double-double of the year.

On the other side, Regina's Macaela Crone finished with a double-double as well, scoring 12 points and collecting 10 boards.

Out of the gate it was shot for shot with both teams combining for 21 field goals and 51 points in the first 10. Manitoba, who led 29-22, started on fire from three shooting 62.5% in the quarter.

"We still scored 81 points," said Bisons head coach Michele Sung. "We worry too much about not scoring and then it affects our ability to score."

After extending their lead to double-digits, Manitoba's shooters cooled off in the second and Regina took advantage, outscoring the herd by nine in the second to lead 49-47 at the half.

Neither team pulled away after halftime but the shootout continued as Regina took a 72-66 lead to the fourth.

A 15-point fourth quarter ended Manitoba's chances at coming back, and Regina pulled away in the fourth to now sit even with the Bisons in the Canada West standings.

"Tomorrow somebody's getting to eight (wins)," said Taylor. "One of the teams are probably punching their ticket to the playoffs so it will be an important game."

Round two between the Prairie clubs goes tomorrow, 5 p.m. tip-off at IGAC.