WINNIPEG – The Manitoba Bisons came out swinging Friday night, rallying together in a team effort, racking up 20 assists and picking up a big win over the Saskatchewan Huskies 84-61 at Investors Group Athletic Center. Manitoba led by 20-12 after one and 46-22 at halftime and didn't look back.
With the win, Manitoba improves to 6-1, and are the only team in Canada West with just one loss on the year. The Huskies fell to 1-6.
The Bisons looked hungry and ready to play from the get-go. Intensity was the key for the Bisons, as they swarmed the floor with smothering defense that caused the Huskies to give up a whopping seven turnovers early. The Bisons perfectly paired this with a fury of offence, with Isaac Miller-Jose taking charge with a three from deep, a backboard block and a nasty and-one finish high off the glass. He would finish the quarter with eight points, going 100 percent from the field.
Bisons 6'9" big man Simon Hildebrandt had another standout performance as he put on a show behind the three-point line, shooting 71.4% on 5/7 shooting. Miller-Jose was a human spark plug, giving the team energy on both sides, finishing the game with 14, seven and one. On the Huskies side, Tyrese Potoma led the Huskies with 18, two and one as both teams went to battle on the hardwood.
"I thought our defensive energy right off the bat was great. We really competed and forced some great turnovers and stops," said Bisons head coach, Kirby Schepp. "That energy was just contagious, and it carried over to the offensive end and our ball movement."
The second quarter was all about the rookie sensation Hildebrandt – who's put up some amazing performances so far this season. The big man had the silk touch from three, hitting three massive shots from behind the arc with ease. He would finish the half going 4/6 from deep, netting himself 14, five and two while continuing to build the momentum for this young, electric Bisons team. Potoma would go off for 13 points, with some crafty turnaround jumpers, but the Bisons looked unstoppable as they finished the half leading 46-22.
The Huskies would try a different approach coming out in the third, slowing things down a bit instead of matching the Bison's emphatic pace – which was still in full gear. The change in playstyle would open up some nice offensive opportunities for the Huskies, but the Bison's offence was still proving to be a thorn in their side. The Bisons would lead going into the fourth 73-42.
The Bisons took their foot off the gas a bit offensively in the fourth, but they made up for it with the same great defense they brought all game. They also used their bench for the vast majority of the final 20, as 11 different players scored. The Huskies began to get it going late in the fourth but by that time, it was too late. The overall team effort from the Bisons helped them cement a big 84-61 victory.
The Bisons hope to bring the energy again tomorrow night at 7 pm, as they face off against the Huskies for another great matchup.
