Lethbridge - Trailing their opponent by three games for the final playoff spot in the Praire Division, the Lethbridge Pronghorn men’s basketball team (7-7 CW) heads into their most important weekend of the season this weekend, traveling to Winnipeg to face the Manitoba Bisons (10-5).
 
While the ‘Horns would not be officially eliminated from post-season contention with losses this weekend, anything less than a sweep will make it very difficult for the ‘Horns to return to the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
 
In addition to the playoff implications, this weekend series has all the potential for fireworks as it also pits the third and fourth ranked offences in the conference against one another. The ‘Horns are fourth, averaging 80.4 points per game, while the Bisons are just ahead scoring at a clip of 80.9 points.
 
At the other end of the floor, the Bisons have a distinct advantage, being the eighth ranked defensive team, allowing 77.5 points. The ‘Horns are ranked last defensively in the conference, surrendering 84 points per game.
 
Coming off his 22^nd career double-double, senior post Derek Waldner continues to propel the ‘Horns attack, leading the team with 16.3 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. He sits 12^th and second in the conference respectively in both categories. Four other Pronghorns are averaging double digits this season and help to provide a balanced attack for the ‘Horns. Logan Reiter, Julian Spear Chief-Morris and Morgan Duce are all averaging more than 12 points per game, while Chaz Johnson is chipping in with 10.9 points per game.
 
Equally as potent offensively, the Bisons also depend on a balanced attack and have five players accounting for the bulk of their scoring. Stephan Walton leads the way for the Bisons and sits 9^th on the conference scoring list, averaging 17.7 points per game and Jonar Huertas is tied for 21^st at 14.3. Yigit Ozsayiner, who sits third in team scoring with 12.4 ppg, is tied for eighth in conference rebounding at 7.9 per game.
 
Tip-off for both contests are scheduled to follow the women’s games at 8:00pm CST and both games will be webcast on www.canadawest.tv .

The ‘Horns will return home for the second last time next weekend, hosting the Brandon Bobcats on Friday and Saturday night at the 1^st Choice Savings Centre.

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