LETHBRIDGE - After going toe-to-toe with the Alberta Golden Bears the previous night, the Lethbridge Pronghorns found themselves unable to stop the offense of the number five ranked team in U SPORTS in a 105-83 loss.
Last year, the Pronghorns posted the top ranked offense in the conference with 94.8 points per game, while the Golden Bears posted the conferences second ranked defense, only allowing 72.5 points per game. With the Bears' stifling defense on full display, the Pronghorns failed to find their rhythm on offense, shooting a measly 26 of 64 on the night.
The Bears on the other hand seemed to be firing at a peach basket, shooting an impressive 41 of 71 on the night, with 54 of their points coming in the paint.
With the win, the Bears improve to 2-0 on the young season, while the 'Horns drop to 0-2.
The biggest talking point for the 'Horns will be their struggles at the free throw line, converting on only 25 of their 40 shots on the night.
The Pronghorns were led by second-year player Scott Mazutinec who proved he can be a big player in Canada West, posting 21 points and 4 rebounds. Supporting Mazutinec was Jeff Rodehutskors, who shot an impressive 6 of 9 from the field, while converting 7 of 9 from the charity stripe for 19 points.
The Bears meanwhile were led by last year's Canada West rookie of the year Adam Paige In 21 minutes, Paige scored 30 points on 12 of 19 shooting. Supporting Paige was Andre Kelly (15 points), Tyus Jefferson (14 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists), and Cole Knudsen (13 points, 5 rebounds).
In just his second game as a Pronghorn, Rodehutskors started the game with an immediate impact, asserting himself in the post and scoring his team's first two baskets. The Golden Bears would see an immediate response from their veteran players, with Dwan Williams first hitting a three, before Cole Knudesen would use a quick post move for a bucket. The 'Horns matched the energy of the Golden Bears in the early going, trailing the Bears by only 13-9 after the first five minutes. From there, the story of the quarter would be second-year guard Brandon Meiklejohn, who would add an immediate spark off the bench with consecutive three pointers, extending the Bears lead to 22-14 and would take a 27-17 lead into the second quarter.
The 'Horns would start the quarter struggling to rebound the ball. Thanks to four offensive rebounds in the first two minutes of the quarter, the Bears would go on a 5-0 run to extend their lead to 15, 32-17. As he did yesterday, Mazutinec would act as a spark for the Pronghorns, hitting a three pointer at the 7:30 mark to give the 'Horns their first points of the quarter. He would follow that up with another three on the Pronghorns' ensuing possession to force the Bears to call a timeout with a 34-23 lead. Brett Warren would also step up, refusing to let his team go down, scoring on a drive and spin to the basket in and an one play. From there, the Bears would be unrelenting, bullying their way through the Pronghorn defense for easy shots in the paint. The Bears would extend their lead to as many as 18, and enter the half with a 56-38 lead.
The Golden Bears would start the third quarter with all cylinders firing. Captain Cole Knudsen would assert himself in the quarter after a five point first half, being a force on offense with eight points, and a steady presence on defense. Knudsen would be supported by Adam Paige. Unrelenting in the paint, Paige would score 10 points in the quarter, as the Bears would take a 28 point lead into the fourth quarter, leading 85 to 57.
The Pronghorns would showcase some grit in the fourth quarter, led by Mazutinec and Zachary Coleman-Bock. Despite their efforts, the Bears offense proved to be tough for the 'Horns to stop. With head coach Burnaby Craddock rewarding his bench with minutes later in the game, rookies Max Russell, Daniel McLaren, and Jack Macpherson would find the scoresheet. Although the 'Horns would outscore the Golden Bears 26-20 in the frame, it was too little too late as the Golden Bears would remain undefeated with the win.
The Pronghorns will head on the road next weekend as they travel to Manitoba to face the Brandon Bobcats at the Healthy Living Center. The Golden Bears will travel back to Edmonton for their home opener as they host the Winnipeg Wesmen.
