LETHBRIDGE - In the second game of their home-and-home series with the Mount Royal Cougars, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns outclassed the Cougars from start to finish en route to a 75-56 victory.
 
The Pronghorns were looking for revenge on this cold Saturday night, having dropped a tough 78-74 decision to the Cougars on Thursday night in Calgary.
 
This game was never in doubt, as the Pronghorns spent the majority of the game playing with a double-digit lead. The Cougars never held a lead in the game, as the home side was dialed in from the opening tip.
 
The Pronghorns were led by captain Kacie Bosch who came just shy of another double-double, with 19 points and 9 rebounds on the night. Asnate Fomina would add 17 points for the 'Horns on 3 of 5 shooting from three point range, while Amy Mazutinec and Jessica Haenni would chip in 9 points a piece. The Pronghorns would move the ball at an exceptional rate, recording 16 assists to the Cougars' 6.
 
Mount Royal was led by rookie forward Jenika Martens who posted 14 points and 5 rebounds for the visitors on 6 of 12 shooting. Abbey Gillette chipped in 12 points, while three other Mount Royal players would record 7 points on the night.
 
The first quarter saw the 'Horns jump out to an aggressive 16-7 start in the opening five minutes of the quarter. Led by a balanced attack, four of five starters would find the basket, as the 'Horns would connect on 7 of their 9 field goals in this stretch. Mount Royal would begin to bring pressure on the 'Horns, turning up their play on the defensive side of the ball to fuel their offense. A Jamie Lalor bucket would be followed by a Maddison Hooper three pointer to trim the Pronghorn lead to four, 18-14. The Pronghorns would respond with a dominant finish to the quarter, embarking on a 9-0 run in the final two minutes of the quarter. Trailing 27-17, Jordan Blaskin of the Cougars would hit a deep two pointer at the buzzer to make it a 27-19 Lethbridge lead after ten minutes.
 
Both teams would find themselves in a shooting slump to start the second quarter. With baskets at a premium, and the score 31-21 for the 'Horns at the 5:34 mark of the quarter, an Asnate Fomina three would spark the offenses of both teams. Trailing 37-26 with a minute to play, fourth year Mount Royal guard Abbey Gillette would hit a three pointer to make it a 37-29 game heading into halftime. The story of the half would be the Pronghorns' dominance in the paint, outscoring the Cougars 24-12 in the post.
 
The Pronghorns came out with even more intensity in the third, jumping out to a quick 6-0 run to open their lead to 14, 43-29. On the ensuing possessions, fifth year Pronghorns guard Asnate Fomina would duel with fourth year Cougars guard Abbey Gillette. The pair would alternate buckets to a 49-34 score, before a Jordan Blaskin and-one would put the Cougars within 12 points, 49-37. Every time it seemed as if the 'Horns were ready to run away with the game, Mount Royal would push back. The Pronghorns would enter the final quarter with a 56-45 lead.
 
The 'Horns would put all the pieces in the fourth, pulling away from the Cougars with a 12-2 run in the first five minutes of the quarter. With a 69-47 lead, both teams' benches would finish the game, with the 'Horns taking it 75-56.
 
The Pronghorns will look to recharge next week as they enter their bye week. They will return to action on January 31st against the MacEwan University Griffins in Edmonton. The Cougars will return home to Calgary next weekend as they welcome the University of Fraser Valley Cascades.