LETHBRIDGE - Thanks to a 61 point second half, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns shook off a slow start to defeat the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack 90-73.
 
Up 55-53 with three minutes to play in the third quarter, the Pronghorns showcased their offensive prowess, outscoring Thompson Rivers 13-5 to take a 68-58 lead into the final quarter.
 
The Pronghorns ramped up their defensive intensity to start the fourth quarter, fueling their offense through strong defensive play. After two missed free throws by the WolfPack, a step back jumper by Scott Mazutinec would put Lethbridge up 78-63. With 4:31 to play, and the WolfPack trailing 81-65, head coach Scott Clark would put in his bench. Rookie guard Shae Gibb would dazzle the crowd in his three minutes of floor time, with two highlight reel assists. 
 
With the victory, the Pronghorns finish the Canada West regular season with a 10-10 record. The WolfPack drop to 11-9, with both teams set to play next weekend in Canada West play-in games.
 
The Pronghorns were led by five players in double digits. Chad Oviatt would lead the charge with 20 points on an efficient 8 of 12 shooting, while Colton Gibb added 18 points and 3 rebounds. Jeff Rodehutskors would record a 16 point, 10 rebound double-double, while Kyle Peterson also picked up a double-double with 12 points and 11 assists.
 
Thompson Rivers was led by their two big men, Joe Davis and Anton Bilous. Davis posted 20 points and 5 rebounds, while Bilous added 18 points, 6 assists, and 3 rebounds. The WolfPack shot a respectable 50 percent (29 of 58), but were outrebounded 39 to 26 by the Pronghorns.
 
The first quarter saw both teams push the pace on transition in the early going. With the game tied 10-10, the WolfPack would find separation, capitalizing on the Pronghorns' sudden cold spell. A 7-0 run would see TRU go ahead 17-10. After trading baskets, Zachary Coleman-Bock would draw an and-one with a nifty euro step lay-in. A Chad Oviatt three would put the 'Horns within four, 21-17, after one quarter of play.
 
The pace would pick up in the second quarter, with both teams finding success from three. After a Brett Warren three put the 'Horns up 28-27, Jeff Rodehutskors would make his mark on the game with a signature finish in the low post.  Both teams' offense would stagnate in the coming minutes, with neither team able to find their form. With shots in the paint bouncing off the rim, and long range shots not reaching the rim, the teams would rely on free throws to score their points. Up 35-32 with two minutes to play, Jeff Rodehutskors would once again use his physical play to score on an easy lay-in. The WolfPack would respond with a three, before Kyle Peterson would draw a foul and sink both shots. Second year guard Richard Mageto would hit a three-pointer in the final minute to pull the WolfPack within one, 39-38, at the half.

After trading baskets to start the third quarter, the Pronghorns would connect on consecutive three pointers, thanks to Kyle Peterson and Colton Gibb. Trailing 50-44, WolfPack coach Scott Clark would call timeout. Keanu Funa and Joe Davis would alternate baskets out of the timeout, before Tyus DeVries and Davis would knock down back-to-back threes to pull within two points, 54-52. With the 'Horns up 55-53, Scott Mazutinec would hit a nifty floater, before knocking down his patented three pointer to extend the Pronghorn lead to seven, 60-53. The 'Horns would close out the quarter strong, taking a 68-58 lead into the final ten.
 
Lethbridge would outscore Thompson Rivers 22-15 in the final quarter to record their third straight series sweep.
 
The Pronghorns will now prepare for the first round of the Canada West playoffs, where they will host a play-in game Friday night, but the opponent has yet to be determined. Thompson Rivers will head out on the road for a first round play-in game.