WINNIPEG – The season opener between the Manitoba Bisons and Alberta Pandas teams proved to be nothing less than exhilarating on Friday evening at Investors Group Athletic Centre. A flurry of aggressive defense and offence on both sides made it a close game, with Alberta just pulling ahead in the fourth quarter, defeating the Bisons 69-64. 

The intoxicating, intense play from both sides was the main theme of the game, as both teams kept it close until the final buzzer. Alberta head coach Scott Edwards' willingness to play the entire team appeared to give them the slight competitive edge they needed, while Manitoba also showed off a deep bench, as the two teams played a combined 21 student-athletes.

On top of a steady rotation of fresh legs, Alberta forward Claire Signatovich had a standout performance, as she recorded a double-double with 22 points and 20 rebounds in 34 minutes. She proved to be the catalyst in staying one step ahead of the Bisons intense defense. 

Manitoba guard Lauren Bartlett and dynamic forward Autumn Agar kept the ball rolling. Bartlett finished the game with 16 points, two assists and seven rebounds and Agar finished with 11, three and three with many of the duo's buckets coming in key moments in the third and fourth.

Bisons head coach Michele Sung noted that the key turning point in a close game through three was because of the visitor's transition defense. 

The Herd trailed by just five entering the final ten, however the Pandas expanded their lead to double figures early on in the fourth due to open space and lanes off of rebounds and turnovers.

Alberta led by as many as 15, but the Bisons battled back, cutting the deficit to as little as five thanks to pressure defense from the likes of Bartlett, fifth-year veteran Keziah Brothers and many others. Alberta captain Emma Kary responded though, with 16 points, one assist and nine rebounds as she kept her teammates composed and ready to shoot right to the end. 

"I thought that we matched up well, we knew the game was going to be fast at times, so we were happy with that," Sung said. "We didn't really execute on some things, but it was more about effort, which is good sign for a quick turnaround for tomorrow."

Albert kept their cool as they were able to push past the Bisons full court press and find the basket from all over the floor, getting some easy drives to the basket and open wing threes when they needed them most. 

The two teams match up tomorrow yet again, and there isno telling the result after such an electric game.