Box Score WINNIPEG -- Needing a win to keep pace in the competitive Canada West conference, the Manitoba Bisons got it done, outlasting UBC 21-16 in a game where weather was a massive factor. Pouring rain limited both teams in the passing game, allowing for a slugfest defensively. Both teams are now 1-2 on the year. 

The T-Birds were the better statistical team offensively, with 469 yards, compared to 155 for the Bisons, however timely turnovers and key special teams play play made a massive difference for a Manitoba squad that was down a number of starters of defence, including All-Canadians Nick Thomas at WILL linebacker and Marcel Arruda-Welch at boundary corner. 

"They played so confidently. They never lost their confidence and they never lost faith," said Bisons head coach Brian Dobie. "You come out of the gate at 0-2 and there's a fear of fragility if something bad happens. When bad things happened, they didn't crack."

To Dobie's point, the game didn't start on the right foot for the Bisons, as they fumbled the opening kickoff in their own end, however the Manitoba defence held strong, holding the T-Birds to a field goal. Overall UBC was four-of-five in the red zone, but were unable to score a major on the day. Their biggest offensive weapon was running back Dane Kapler, who had the best statistical came of his career, with 175 yards on 26 carries, however he was hurt in the third quarter. It was the second key injury for UBC, who lost starting running back and the conference's leading rusher Isaiah Knight early. 

Manitoba took advantage of a botched UBC punt to take a 7-5 lead with just over three minutes to go in the first half, as Des Catellier -- who threw for 129 yards and two scores -- found Zachary Wynne for his first career touchdown from 30 yards out. The T-Birds drove the field right after, and took an 8-7 lead into halftime. 

Manitoba got on the board on their first drive of the third, and didn't trail the rest of the way. Ishe Matange found paydirt on a five-yard pass from Catellier for his first career score on a drive aided by Breydon Stubbs, who had 65 yards rushing and 19 yards receiving in the game. Jackson Tachinski also scored for Manitoba on a one-yard scamper aided by another shanked punt by UBC. 

Stephen Adamopoulos had a great game on defence for the Bisons with 3.5 tackles and two pass breakups and was critical on a third down stop in the Manitoba red zone in the second half, while Dolan Hills led the Bisons with ten tackles. 

"We made the adjustments we needed to and had a lot better preparation this week," Adamopoulous said. "I feel like everyone in our locker room really cares and it shows up on days like today. 

Next up for Manitoba is homecoming tilt against Calgary on Saturday at 2 pm while UBC faces Regina.