Lethbridge – With four games remaining in the 2012-13 conference schedule the Lethbridge Pronghorn men’s basketball team is in a dog fight for the final playoff spot in the Prairie Division.  They head out on the road to face the University of Regina Cougars for a pair of critical games this weekend.
 
A sweep of the Brandon Bobcats last weekend moved the ‘Horns back to .500 at 9-9 but they trail both the Calgary Dinos and Winnipeg Wesmen by two games for the final playoff spot. The ‘Horns will conclude the 2012-13 campaign next weekend in a home-and-home series with the Dinos.
 
The Dinos, who are the hottest team in the Prairie Division - winners of six straight, travel to Brandon to face the Bobcats.  The Wesmen, who have lost four in a row, host the division leading Alberta Golden Bears.
 
It all starts at the offensive end of the floor for the ‘Horns, who are ranked fourth in the conference and are led by a pair of fifth-year seniors.
 
Derek Waldner, who became the school’s all-time leading rebounder last week, has been outstanding for the ‘Horns in the second half of the season. He’s recorded eight consecutive double-doubles and leads the conference in rebounding, averaging 11.5 boards a game. He is also 12^th in the conference in scoring, averaging 17 points a game.
 
Down the final stretch of his Pronghorn career, local product Julian Spear Chief-Morris has played his best basketball in a ‘Horns uniform. Spear Chief-Morris sits second on the ‘Horns in scoring at 13.4 points a game.
 
The Cougars (6-12) were eliminated from playoff contention last weekend but have been a tough team to play on their home court.  Five of their six wins have come at home and they’ve registered quality wins over the Saskatchewan Huskies and Alberta Golden Bears.
 
Ranked 12^th in the conference in both offense and defense, the Cougars score 73.7 points per game, while surrendering 81.5 points per night. Nearly 60% of the team’s offense comes from a trio players with fifth-year forward Paul Gareau leading the team with 15.3 points per game.
 
Taking care of the ball has been Regina’s biggest Achilles’ heel all season. The Cougars lead the conference in turnovers, committing nearly 20 per game.
 
Tip-off for both Friday and Saturday night is slated for 8:00pm at Centre for Kinesiology, Health & Sport in Regina. Both games will also be webcast on www.canadawest.tv .
 
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