LETHBRIDGE - In a physical and scrappy affair, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns outplayed the University of Regina Cougars en route to a 98-86 victory.
 
"It was an excellent game both ways," explained Pronghorns interim head coach James McKinnon. "Both teams came out in a high scoring affair, but full credit to Regina and their season. For us, it's a good victory to have and I am pretty proud of the way my boys fought and got the victory."
 
Following an evenly matched first half that saw the Pronghorns enter the third quarter with a three point, 49-46 lead, the 'Horns dialed up their intensity on defense in the third. Leading by as many as 19 points, 74-55, a physical end to the quarter saw the Cougars claw back within 13 points thanks to eight free throws in the final minutes of the quarter.
 
Trailing 78-65, the Cougars would score the first six points of the final quarter, as the Pronghorn offense sputtered. Following a Lethbridge timeout, Keanu Funa and Colton Gibb would respond with consecutive baskets to restore a double-digit lead for the 'Horns, 82-71.
 
The Cougars would refuse to go away in the next few minutes, hanging around down the stretch. Trailing by just eight, 94-86, with 90 seconds to play, the Pronghorns would get defensive stops when they needed them most to secure the victory.

The 'Horns are no strangers to hosting Canada West playoff action, with this being their fourth consecutive year of welcoming a team into the 1st Choice Savings Center.
 
With the victory, the Pronghorns will make a trip next weekend to Edmonton where they will face the top seeded University of Alberta Golden Bears. Motivation should not be too hard to find for the 'Horns, as this will be the fourth consecutive postseason in which Lethbridge will face Alberta. The Pronghorns have previously seen their playoffs come to an end at the hands of the Bears in all of their last three playoff matchups.
 
"Heading into the second round, we are the underdogs," explained coach McKinnon. "For us, it is about having a why not mentality."

The Pronghorns were led by 20 point performances from three players, Kyle Peterson, Chad Oviatt, and Keanu Funa. Both Oviatt and Funa recorded double-doubles by adding 10 rebounds a piece, while Peterson came just shy of a double-double with 9 assists. Jeff Rodehutskors added 15 points in just 13:34 of play, while the Pronghorns shot the ball at an impressive 47.5% rate.
 
The Cougars saw even contributions throughout their lineup, with five players scoring in double digits. Brayden Kuski led the charge with 15 points and 7 rebounds, while Samuel Hills, Benhamin Hills, Greishe Clerjuste, and Matt Barnard scored 13, 12, 12, and 10 points a piece.
 
Following a strong 4-3 start, the 'Horns were outscored 8-1 by the Cougars. Down 11-4, Lethbridge would showcase their offensive prowess, embarking on a 9-2 run to tie the game 13-13. Jeff Rodehutskors would be the Pronghorns' go-to option early on, as the second-year player would score six points in the early going. After a collision forced Rodehutskors to the bench, third year center Zachary Coleman-Bock would make his presence felt connecting on consecutive baskets late in the quarter. It would be Regina however that would get the upper hand, finishing the quarter on top 27-23.
 
Both teams would rely on the three to start the second quarter. A 11-10 stretch in the opening five minutes of the quarter would see the 'Horns pull within three points, 37-34. An incredible drive into the low post would see Chad Oviatt draw an and-one, but a missed free throw would keep Regina in front. On the ensuing Lethbridge possession, Zachary Coleman-Bock would give the 'Horns their first lead since the score was 2-0, thanks to a strong finish in the post. Regina would call timeout, trailing 38-37. Colton Gibb and Scott Mazutinec would then alternate three pointers in between Regina baskets by Benjamin Hills and Brayden Kuski. Lethbridge would have a 46-44 lead with 12 seconds to play in the quarter. Josiah Thomas would score on the ensuing Regina possession, before Brett Warren would hit a buzzer beating three pointer to end the quarter.
 
The 'Horns would start the third quarter with a 6-0 run, showcasing their aggressive play in the paint. With all three baskets being scored in the post, the Cougars would call timeout to regroup. Ahead 55-46, the Pronghorns would begin to overwhelm Regina in transition, as a 7-2 run would give Lethbridge their largest lead, 62-48. A physical end to the quarter would see the Pronghorns enter the final ten minutes with a 78-65 lead.

Regina would continue fighting throughout the final quarter, but the 'Horns would hold on to extend their season another week.
 
With the victory, the Pronghorns will move on to the Canada West quarterfinals where they will face the University of Alberta Golden Bears in Edmonton.

When asked about his experience as a first-year head coach, McKinnon remarked, "It has been good and challenging. I am proud of where the boys have gotten to. I am glad to see them smile and have fun with the game, which is the most important part of me."