Box Score KAMLOOPS -- For the first time in the history of the program, the Manitoba Bisons have won 18 conference regular season games, after an 84-50 victory over the Thompson Rivers Wolfpack. The win breaks the mark of 17, set in 1970-71. Their two losses are also the least in a season since 1974-75, when the team went 12-0 in league play and 21-3 overall.

Manitoba, ranked No. 8 in the nation, will be the second seed in the Canada West playoffs, which start on Friday with play-in games. The Bisons will face the winner of Friday's 7 pm play-in game between Trinity Western and Calgary the following night at the same time in the quarterfinals. 

Manitoba's offence was on fire in the game, hitting 48 per cent of their shots as a team and knocking down 16 three-pointers on the night.
 
Simon Hildebrandt led the way offensively for Manitoba, pouring in 16 points thanks in large part to four three-pointers. Elijah Lostracco and Daren Watts tallied 14 and 12 points respectively while all 12 players in the Bisons lineup recorded a bucket in the game.

Manitoba blew the game wide open in the second. Their offence exploded for 27 points in the quarter while holding TRU to just 10. Starting the frame on a 15-0 run powered by five points from Lostracco allowed Manitoba to run away with the game.
 
The visitors led 46-22 at the half and never looked back en route to the commanding victory.

Entering the playoffs, Manitoba has the best statistical defence, allowing a conference-least 70.4 points per game and leading in blocked shots (99) and steals (210).

Guard Mason Kraus led Canada West in steals, with 53, while his 2.7 steals per game were also the most. The former is the third most in a single season in program history, while the latter is tied for the second most steals per game in a single season.