Box Score Lethbridge – With another strong third quarter, the Lethbridge Pronghorns secured a sweep of the Alberta Golden Bears on Saturday night with an 88-63 win.
Dejon Burdeaux had another big night for the 'Horns leading the team with 21 points, eight assists and four steals. Jared Baker poured in 17 points, while fellow senior Rob Olsen chipped in with 14 points. Mamadou Gueye led his Golden Bears with 19 points and Lyndon Annetts was the only other Bear to reach double digits with 10 points.
The win lifts the 'Horns record to 9-5 on the season and into a fourth place tie with the Winnipeg Wesmen. The loss drops the Bears under the 500 mark at 7-8 and are now tied for the final playoff spot in the Division with the Victoria Vikes.
The 'Horns came to play in the first quarter, going 57.1% from the field, and 40.0% from down town. Rob Olsen led the 'Horns in the quarter, scoring 4 points. Lyndon Annetts, who scored 5 points, led the Golden Bears. The 'Horns took an 18-16 lead to the second quarter.
The second quarter saw both teams keeping it close. Neither team put any lengthy runs together, but rather seemed content to swap buckets on either end of the court, but the 'Horns held a 40-35 lead at the break. Annetts kept his lead in points for the Golden Bears, finishing the half with 10. Jared Baker dropped 11 for the 'Horns to lead the team in the half.
The 'Horns kept up their scoring efficiency, finding success on 51.6% of shots from the field, and 40.0% of shots from behind the three-point line. The Golden Bears were less successful, going 40.0% from the field, and 31.3% on three-pointers. They did take the edge in rebounds to the locker room though, 20-15.
The 'Horns built on the momentum they took to the locker room with the lead, and widened the gap in the third quarter. Burdeaux took over for the 'Horns, scoring 16 points throughout the game. Mamadou Gueye took over for the Golden Bears, scoring 14. The 'Horns took a 65-44 lead to the final quarter.
The 'Horns didn't let the Golden Bears back into the game in the fourth quarter, consistently scoring on their possessions, and shutting down Golden Bear possessions. Burdeaux kept adding to his point total, and finished the night with 21. Gueye led the Golden Bears with 19.
The 'Horns did not miss much, going 52.3% from the field, and 45.8% on attempts from downtown. They did struggle with free throws, only potting 56.3%. The Golden Bears struggled, going 33.3% from the field, and 20.8% on the long ball. They outclassed the 'Horns on the free throw line though, sinking 78.1% of their opportunities. They also out-rebounded the 'Horns 39-29.
Next weekend, the 'Horns will travel to Calgary to face the U of C Dinos. The Golden Bears return home to take on the Trinity Western Spartans.
