WINNIPEG – The Manitoba Bisons showed off their depth on Friday night at Investors Group Athletic Centre, defeating the Alberta Golden Bears 100-81 in a game that was tight until the fourth quarter, where an emphatic steal and dunk from Jonam Kazadi helped swing the momentum. It was the first time Alberta, who advanced to the Final 8 last year, lost a regular season game in over a year.

Five Bisons scored in double figures, led by 24 points from Elijah Lostracco, who was 47 percent overall including three treys. Simon Hildebrandt, Mason Kraus, Tito Obasoto and Wyatt Tait also had at least ten points. The Golden Bears were paced by 31 points from Lars Ishimwe, who finished with a double-double with ten points along with five assists in an impressive showing.

Despite early foul trouble for 2021-22 All-Rookie Kraus, who had three in the opening quarter, the team rallied around him, as numerous players led the offence up court, and held things down on defence. The second-year guard then came up big in the second half and had three critical treys. 

"Mason in many ways is our leader emotionally and competitive-wise. He picked up that tough third foul early in the first quarter. He finished with 21 minutes, but I think he had four at the half. It was a struggle, but Brandt Lens came in and gave us some energy, Tito comes in and does a great job, Elijah is playing more minutes at point guard than he usually does," said Bisons head coach Kirby Schepp. "I just thought guys stepped up as evidenced by the balanced scoring. 

Intensity on defense was a major factor for Manitoba, with the Bisons locking down in the third and fourth, aided by the energy steal and dunk from Kazadi. Obasoto also had some great defensive moments in the third that led to some easy buckets for his teammates and some silky transition threes. 

Despite the score, Alberta shot the ball well and matched Manitoba in a number of areas. They were 45.3 percent from the field, getting a big showing in the second half from veteran forward Adam Paige, who had ten points in the second half.

The two teams will play again tomorrow night at 7 pm.