BRANDON —Though the two teams are neck and neck in the standings, the Brandon Bobcats have had the Manitoba Bisons number all season — and that continued on Friday night.

Brandon beat Manitoba in straight sets at the Healthy Living Centre, their fourth win in five regular season matchups this season (25-20, 26-24, 25-19).

The win improves the Bobcats to 8-9 while the Bisons fall to 7-10. Both teams will play on the road in the Canada West playoffs, beginning next weekend.

The Bobcats succeeded on Friday thanks to their ability to spread the ball around. Tom Friesen and Phillip Lauter both had nine kills, but Jens Watt had eight and Rylan Metcalf wasn't far behind with six. Lauter's six aces was also a sensational standout for the home Bobcats.

Manitoba, meanwhile, struggled to avoid a more top-heavy attack. 24 attacks went Ben Carleton's way, as he led all players with 13 kills. While 32 attacks went to Owen Schwartz and Spencer Grahame, they only converted nine for kills, as the Bobcats' defence on the pair was strong.

The Bisons' lone win against the Bobcats this season came on Nov. 27, a marathon five-set victory that included a 34-32 first set.

Tomorrow's regular season finale is scheduled for 7:45 p.m.