LETHBRIDGE - Coming out of the Holiday break to start the second half of their season, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns were unable to recover from a sluggish first half in a 78-70 loss to the University of Regina Cougars.
 
Trailing by as many as 24 points in the second quarter, 44-20, the Pronghorns used a strong third quarter to come within 12 points of the Cougars heading into the final frame, 68-56.
 
The Pronghorns would continue to build on the momentum they built in the third quarter, finding open looks on offense after being stifled in the first half. A 8-2 run in the first four minutes would see the Regina lead cut to 70-64, with six minutes to play. With a game on their hands, the Pronghorns struggled to take care of the ball, turning it over on consecutive offensive possessions. However, their defense would step up to get important stops on the ensuing Regina possessions.
 
With 2:30 remaining, Asnate Fomina would hit a silky jumper as Regina would cling onto a 72-68 lead in crunch time. Another big defensive stand by the 'Horns would see Kacie Bosch convert on transition with an easy layup to trim the lead to two, 72-70. Regina would respond with a layup of their own, before Cougars captain Avery Pearce would hit a mid range jumper to restore the Cougar lead to six, 76-70. It was too little too late, as Regina would close the game out, 78-70.
 
With the win, the Regina Cougars improve to 4-7, while the Pronghorns drop to below .500, 5-6.
 
Lethbridge was led by Asnate Fomina, who posted 21 points in her first game of the 2019-2020 season after returning from injury. Captain Kacie Bosch would chip in with 16 points, three assists, and five rebounds, while Jessica Haenni would add 12 points. Katie Keith would come just shy of the double-double, with nine points and 10 rebounds.
 
Regina was led by third year guard Faith Reid who scored 22 points, while fifth year seniors Michaela Kleisinger and Avery Pearce would chip in with 14 and 12 points a piece.
 
The first quarter saw both teams coming out sharp, seemingly rejuvenated by the mid-season break. After trading baskets to a 10-7 score in favor of the Cougars after the first four minutes of play, Regina would see contributions from their entire lineup in an 11-4 scoring run. Trailing 21-11, Pronghorns head coach Dave Waknuk would call a timeout. Out of the timeout, Lethbridge would go to Asnate Fomina, who would hit a big three pointer to end the Cougars' run. Regina would respond, capped off by a buzzer beating three-pointer to take a 29-17 lead into the second quarter. Regina would be a perfect 5 for 5 in the quarter from three point range, while the 'Horns would hit four of their six shots from deep, accounting for 12 of their 17 points.
 
The Cougars would begin the second quarter even more aggressive than the first, embarking on a 13-3 run before a Pronghorns timeout. Trailing 42-20, the Pronghorns would draw up a play for Kacie Bosch who would end the run with a pretty drive through the lane for a layup. Following a Regina two, Isabel Rattai would knock down a three pointer to lead a 8-0 Pronghorns run. Having trimmed the lead to 44-31, the Cougars would rely on their seemingly unstoppable shot from beyond the arc, connecting on consecutive three pointers to end the Pronghorns' run. Regina would take a 51-33 lead into the halftime break, thanks in large part to shooting 8 of 12 from beyond the arc.
 
Both teams would start the third quarter sluggish, trading baskets. With the score 56-37 for Regina minutes into the quarter, the Pronghorns would find a second wind. Led by Fomina, the 'Horns would fix their biggest struggle of the first half, their shooting. Generating open looks, the Pronghorns would use a 15-5 run to trim a lead that was as large as 24, to nine. After taking a timeout up 61-52, Regina would knock down consecutive baskets, before the Pronghorns would respond. The Cougars would have the quarter's final possession up 65-56, and yet again, a buzzer beating three pointer would give them a double digit lead to enter the final quarter.
 
A furious comeback would see the Pronghorns come within two points of the Cougars, but a resilient Regina team would hold off the home side.
 
The Pronghorns and Cougars will meet again tomorrow night to wrap up the weekend series. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. at the First Choice Savings Center in Lethbridge.