LETHBRIDGE – Kicking off 2019 on the right foot a week ago, the Lethbridge Pronghorn men's basketball team will look to build some momentum in a home-and-home series with southern Alberta foe, the Mount Royal Cougars.
 
The two game set kicks off Thursday night in Calgary at 8:00 p.m., with the Pronghorns hosting the back half of the series Saturday night at the 1^st Choice Savings Centre. Tip-off Saturday night is slated for 7:00 p.m. Both games will be streamed live on www.canadawest.tv.
 
A look at the teams
 
The 2018-19 season has been an up and down one for the Pronghorns (6-6). The 'Horns opened with four straight wins, before dropping their next six contests.
 
Returning from semester break last weekend, the Pronghorns swept the Saskatchewan Huskies in Saskatoon for the first time since 1998 and vaulted themselves back into the home playoff picture.
 
Statistically, the Pronghorns still remain among the top offensive teams in Canada West, sitting third in team scoring, and averaging 91.6 points per game. Defensively, the Pronghorns sit seventh, allowing 80.3 points against.
 
The Pronghorns still lead the conference in free throws attempted (24), made per game (17.8) and free throw percentage (74%). The 'Horns are also ranked second in steals per game at 10.5.
 
For the Cougars (6-8), they will be looking to put an end to a four game slide after being swept by crosstown rival Calgary Dinos last weekend. Prior the semester break, the Cougars were swept by UBC in Vancouver.
 
Entering this week's match up, the Cougars are ranked 11^th offensively (78.6 ppg) and 12^th defensively (85.0 ppg).
 
Players to watch
 
After combining for 57 points and 20 rebounds in the Pronghorns sweep of the Huskies, fifth-year guard Zac Overwater was named the Canada West second star of the week. He also sits eighth in Canada West scoring with 18.3 points per game.
 
Lethbridge product Mike Pierzchala sits second in Pronghorn scoring this season, averaging 16.7 points per game.
 
A pair of fifth-year Calgary products lead the Cougars attack with LJ Hedwood accounting for 16.9 points per game and Glen Yang is a close second with 16.3 point average.
 
Up Next:
 
The Pronghorns will be back on home court next weekend hosting the Victoria Vikes Friday and Saturday night.