LETHBRIDGE – Looking to return to the win column, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns overwhelmed the MacEwan University Griffins from opening tip, en route to a 106-64 victory Friday night at the 1^st Choice Savings Centre.
 
The Pronghorns were led by a breakout performance from rookie guard Deng Dak who scored 27 points on 11 of 17 shooting. Third-year transfer De'Andrae Pierre chipped in 13 points, while Chad Oviatt recorded 11 rebounds.
 
The Griffins were led by rookie forward Marco Correas with 18 points, and third-year wing Joshua Edward who added 11.
 
With the victory, the Pronghorns snap a five-game losing streak to improve to 2-5 on the season. With the loss, the Griffins fall to 0-5 and are still in search of their first victory of the season
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The Pronghorns shot a phenomenal 26 for 34 from two-point range, complemented by a respectable 16 for 37 from three. The 'Horns overpowered the Griffins on the glass, securing 43 rebounds to the visitors' 24.
 
In his second Canada West start, rookie guard Deng Dak would make an instant impact, scoring 11 points within the game's first two minutes. Following three triples, Dak would show his versatility and drive the ball into the paint for an easy two.  Dak would finish the quarter drawing a charge, capitalizing on a steal from Avery Hutcheson on the defensive end for a thunderous dunk. A pristine 11 of 14 shooting from the field would see the 'Horns would take a 29-9 lead into the second quarter. 
 
The Griffins would attempt to find their rhythm in the second quarter, ramping up their intensity offensively. However, it would be an inability to protect the paint that would cost the Griffins. The 'Horns would continue to push and drive the ball into the paint for easy twos. MacEwan would struggle on the glass, with the 'Horns outrebounding the visitors by six, 17 to 11. An efficient 64% shooting from the field would see Lethbridge take a 47-27 lead into halftime.
 
The third quarter would see the Pronghorns overwhelm the Griffins with their pressure on and off the ball. Forcing six more turnovers, the 'Horns would convert the Griffin miscues into nine points. Eight more assists for the 'Horns in the quarter would create plenty of offensive opportunity as the home side would take a 75-43 lead into the final frame.
 
Lethbridge would surpass triple digits in the fourth quarter putting together all facets of their game to take the victory.
 
The Pronghorns and Griffins will run it back tomorrow night in their final games of the first semester, with tipoff set for 7:00pm. Catch the action on www.canadwest.tv, presented by Co-op.