LETHBRIDGE - Showcasing their grit and determination, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns used a furious second half comeback to defeat the Thompson Rivers University Wolfpack 69-52.
 
The story of Saturday seemed to resemble that of Friday, with the 'Horns using a furious comeback to enter the fourth quarter with a chance to win the game. Down by ten, 45-35 with two minutes to play in the third quarter, the Pronghorns used a furious 9-1 rally in 120 seconds to pull within one, 46-44, to enter the final quarter.
 
After trading baskets, Kacie Bosch would tie the game thanks to a strong drive and finish, which seemed to be her go-to all night. This would be followed by a Jessica Zarowny two which would give the 'Horns their first lead since 6-2. Up 50-48, the teams would once again trade baskets before Jessica Haenni would score on consecutive three pointers to put the 'Horns up 57-50. The Pronghorn defense would match the intensity of the offense, holding the WolfPack scoreless in a three minute stretch. Up 61-50 with three minutes to play, Kacie Bosch would punctuate the game with an and-one finish in traffic.
 
With the victory, the Pronghorns have clinched a home playoff game in the opening round of the Canada West playoffs. Lethbridge finishes the regular season with an 11-9 record, and a five game winning streak. The WolfPack drop to 7-13, but have clinched a berth in the Canada West playoffs despite the losses.
 
The Pronghorns were led by captain Kacie Bosch who put on a show in her final regular season home game. Bosch flirted with a triple-double, scoring 23 points, while adding eight assists and seven rebounds. Katie Keith would add nine rebounds and 7 points, while Asnate Fomina chipped in 8 points. Both players are also graduating seniors.
 
Thompson Rivers was led by fourth year guard Jordan Wilkinson and rookie forward Jordan Robb. Both players scored 11 points.
 
The Pronghorns began the game seemingly motivated by the stakes, jumping out to a strong 6-2 run. A lethargic start for the WolfPack saw their offense stagnate, before a basket by Jordan Robb would spark the visitors' offense. A couple of baskets in transition would see TRU jump ahead 12-10. From there, the WolfPack would find their footing on the defensive end, using man defense to halt the momentum of the Pronghorn shooters. A 5-0 run would put the visitors up 17-10 before Kacie Bosch would provide an answer for the 'Horns with a strong drive to the hoop. A TRU three would be followed by a Pronghorn basket, which would send the teams into the second quarter with the WolfPack leading 20-14.
 
Emma Piggin would begin the second quarter with a WolfPack basket, only for Amy Mazutinec to answer for the 'Horns with a strong finish in the post. A 5-0 run by TRU would prompt Dave Waknuk to call a timeout, down 27-16.  Both teams would struggle in the next few minutes of play, with a Pronghorn three being the only points scored in a three minute span. The WolfPack would change these fortunes with three straight baskets, extending their lead to 33-19. Out of a Lethbridge timeout,  the 'Horns would turn over the ball, symbolic of their struggles in the quarter. With 90 seconds to play, the Pronghorns would turn up the heat with a 7-2 run, only for fourth year TRU guard Jordan Wilkinson to hit a buzzer-beating three. The WolfPack would take a 38-26 lead into the half.
 
Sloppy play would characterize the first few minutes of the third quarter. The WolfPack would be called on violations including travels, double-dribbles, and eight second violations. However, the Pronghorns would be unable to capitalize on their opportunities, until a Katie Keith lay-in after a WolfPack breakdown on defense would prompt a TRU timeout.
 
Trailing 43-32, a gutsy play in the post would earn Kacie Bosch an and-one, pulling the 'Horns within eight, 43-35. Leilani Carney would have an answer, hitting a heavily contested jump shot to put WolfPack back up by double digits. From there, the 'Horns would put on an incredible 9-1 run, thanks to Isabel Rattai and Kacie Bosch. A Rattai three would punctuate the stretch, sending the 'Horns into the final quarter down by two, 46-44.
 
A dominant fourth quarter, perhaps their best of the season, would see the Pronghorns outscore the WolfPack 25-6 for the victory.
 
The Pronghorns will prepare for the first round of the Canada West playoffs, where they will host a play-in game against the UNBC Timberwolves, a victory would see them move onto the Canada West quarterfinals, while a loss would end their season.  Thompson Rivers will travel to face Fraser Valley Cascades in Abbotsford.