LETHBRIDGE - In their opening game of the 2019-2020 Canada West season, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns failed to capitalize on an impressive first three quarters, dropping a 66-54 decision to the University of Alberta Pandas.
 
Following three quarters of playing from behind and without the lead, the Pandas used a dominant fourth quarter to defeat the Pronghorns in a rematch of last years Canada West quarterfinal series.
 
Megan Tywoniuk paced the Pandas with 13 points, while Vanessa Wild recorded a double-double with 11 points and 1- rebounds. For the Pronghorns, Katie Keith scored a game high 17 points and snagged a double-double of her own with 12 rebounds. Amy Mazutinec finished only a point behind Keith with 16 points.
 
Entering the fourth quarter down by four, 46-42, the Alberta Pandas would start the final ten minutes with their foot on the gas, scoring three consecutive baskets in the first 90 seconds of play. Uncharacteristic mistakes by the 'Horns would see the Pandas capitalize and tie the game 48-48, forcing an early timeout from second-year head coach Dave Waknuk. Following a 3-0 run by the 'Horns, the Pandas would once again explode, going on a 9-0 run to take a 57-51 lead into the final five minutes of the game.
 
Ultimately, the 'Horns would be unable to find any offense in the final five minutes of the game, scoring only two points. This extended scoring drought, combined with an inability to rebound the ball, would see the Pandas outscore the 'Horns 20-12 in the fourth quarter to win the game.
 
The first quarter saw both teams shake off jitters, earning their points from the free throw line in the early portions of the game. The 'Horns would finish the quarter with only two made baskets on twelve attempts, while the Pandas made four baskets on seventeen attempts. The 'Horns however controlled the physicality of the game, earning twelve trips to the free throw line.

The second quarter would see the action pick up for both teams, as Mazutinec and Kacie Bosch would takeover for the Pronghorns, while the Pandas would be led by their veteran players, Megan Tywoniuk and Brooklyn Legault. Following zero three point attempts in the first quarter, the three ball would open up the game up for the 'Horns. Mazutinec would lead the 'Horns in the first half, posting team highs in points and rebounds with 14 points and 4 boards. A spur of late threes by the 'Horns would see them take a 34-29 lead into the halftime break.
 
The third quarter would see the pace quicken, although both teams would struggle to find their shot. The 'Horns would open up a nine point lead following three quick baskets; however, the Pandas would respond with a couple of baskets of their own to bring their deficit back to five. With the 'Horns missing a pivotal piece of their lineup in fifth-year senior Asnate Fomina, Rookie guard Savannah McKee saw herself carrying a heavier workload. Both offenses would be sluggish for the next couple minutes, failing to capitalize on opportunities as the majority of the points in the third quarter would be awarded at the free throw line. The Pandas would use a 6-0 run to bring themselves within two points of the 'Horns, before Amy Mazutinec would dazzle the home crowd with a spin and finish to close the quarter and give the home side a 46 to 42 lead.
 
The fourth quarter saw things unravel for the 'Horns, as an inability to find their shot late would cost them.
 
The Pronghorns and Pandas will run it back tomorrow night to wrap up the weekend series. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. at the 1^st Choice Savings Center in Lethbridge.