Box Score Lethbridge – Coming off their first win of the season, the Lethbridge Pronghorn men's basketball team led wire-to-wire and completed a season opening sweep with a 94-70 win over the Brandon Bobcats.
Another balanced attack led the 'Horns success with four starters scoring in double digits. Fifth-year guard Rob Olsen led the way with 18 points and was just a rebound short of a double-double. Dejon Burdeaux and Brandon Brine each had 17 points and Lethbridge College transfer Chris Maughan had another strong night with 15 points.
It was a tough night offensively for the Bobcats; D.J. Grant was the lone Bobcat to reach double digits and had 14 points on the night.
"We had a great start and energy tonight," said head coach Mike Hansen. "We challenged our fifth years and they responded."
"Rob Olsen and Jared Baker were everywhere and their energy carried over to the rest of the team."
After having to rely on a big second half a night ago, the 'Horns jumped out of the gate, opening on a 12-0 run, and held a 22-8 lead after the opening quarter. While the 'Horns had the hot hand to start, the Bobcats were cold, going 3 for 15 in the opening 10 minutes.
Aussie Brandon Brine opened the second quarter with a three to push the lead to 17 points and just when it looked like the 'Horns would run away with it, a combination of Pronghorn turnovers and Brandon finding a bit of rhythm allowed the Bobcats to get right back into the game with a 7-1 run.
The long ball allowed the 'Horns to push the lead back into double digits with Brine and Rob Olsen hitting threes and had the 'Horns flirting with a 20 point lead late in the quarter. In the end after 20 minutes, the 'Horns did get the lead to 20 points at 49-29.
In the half, the 'Horns shot the ball very well, hitting on 46% from the field and 57% from behind the arc. Rob Olsen had an exceptional opening half, scoring 14 of his 18 points in the opening half and was 4 for 5 from long range. After struggling early in the contest, the Bobcats improved in the second quarter and finished with a 33% shooting percentage.
Tides seemed to turn early in the third with the Bobcats increasing their defensive pressure on the Pronghorns and offensive execution, cutting into the lead to bring it within 13 points with four minutes remaining in the quarter. The 'Horns did manage to build the lead back to 16 at the end of the third, 66-50.
Looking to put the Bobcats away early in the fourth, the 'Horns scored four straight off Bobcat turnovers to regain the 20 point lead and they never looked back, cruising to the 24 point win.
The 'Horns will hit the road next weekend, heading to Regina to face the Regina Cougars. The Bobcats will have a bye next week, before returning to action in two weeks to host the Manitoba Bisons.
