Lethbridge – Coming off an up-and-down first semester the Lethbridge Pronghorn men's basketball team returns to conference action this weekend hosting the UBC Thunderbirds for a pair of games.
 
The 'Horns and T-Birds will hit the 1^st Choice Savings Centre hardwood Friday night at 8:00pm and wrap up the weekend series Saturday night, starting at 7:00pm. Both games will be streamed live on http://canadawest.tv.
 
During the first semester of Canada West action, the 'Horns (5-5) were a solid 4-2 on the road but uncharacteristically struggled at home, winning just one of their four home games. Over the past three seasons, the 'Horns posted a stellar 27-5 home record but had struggled on the road.
 
The once high flying 'Horns offence was grounded during the first semester and after 10 games is ranked 10^th in the conference, averaging 76.4 points per game. Last season, the 'Horns had the top offensive team in the conference, scoring more than 84.4 points per game.
 
Despite their 12^th ranking on defence, the 'Horns team defence has improved this season, allowing 77.4 points per game, down from 83.3 points last season.
 
Individually, Brandon Brine leads the 'Horns attack, averaging 16.8 points per game, while post Brent Watkins sits second on the team with 13.1 points and is sixth in the conference with 8.8 rebounds per game. Freshman Zac Overwater will look to build off a strong first semester and is averaging 11.8 points in his first 10 CIS games.
 
For the Thunderbirds (3-5), the first semester was not what they had envisioned going into the season. While UBC closed 2014 on the high note, sweeping the Saskatchewan Huskies, the T-Birds started the season winning only one of their first six games.
 
As a team the Thunderbirds are potent offensively ranked fifth in Canada West and scoring at a 79.9 per game clip, but it has been a struggle at the other end of the floor. The T-Birds are ranked 15^th out of 17 Canada West teams, allowing 82.9 points per game.
 
The T-Birds have five players averaging double digits in points per game and are led by Tommy Nixon, who is ranked 10^th in the conference with 16.6 points per game. Brylle Kamen and Conor Morgan are both chipping in with 11 points per game.
 
The 'Horns will remain at home next weekend, welcoming southern Alberta rival Calgary Dinos next weekend.
 
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