LETHBRIDGE – Facing the only undefeated team remaining in Canada West, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns dropped a 78-64 decision to the University of Alberta Golden Bears, with the Bears outscoring the 'Horns 26-12 in the final quarter.
 
With the game tied 52-52 following three physical quarters of play, the Pronghorns would put themselves in a position to hand Canada West's only remaining undefeated team their first loss of the season.
 
Alberta would use their experience to embark on a 13-2 run to start the quarter as the visitors would test the Pronghorns' resiliency.  Down 65-54, the 'Horns would earn back-to-back and one baskets on aggressive plays to the rim. Trimming the lead to 65-60, fifth-year guard Tyus Jefferson would embark on a 5-0 run on his own to restore a double-digit lead for Alberta.  From there, the Bears would put the game away to remain undefeated on the season.
 
With the loss, the Pronghorns drop to 6-7 on the season, while the Golden Bears improve to 13-0.
 
The Pronghorns were led by 14 points and 4 rebounds from Chad Oviatt, while Alec Hillman and De'Andrae Pierre would add 12 and 10 points apiece.
 
The Golden Bears were led by 24 points and 6 rebounds from Tyus Jefferson, while Cole Knudsen, Geoffrey James, and Lars Ishimwe would add 13, 10, and 10 points apiece.
 
It was a physical battle early, with both teams unrelentless on the defensive side of the ball.  With both teams swarming the top offensive options on either side, it was the bench on both sides that stepped up. 11 of the Pronghorns' 15 points were scored by their bench, while 7 of Alberta's 16 points were scored by their reserves. The teams would trade baskets and stops throughout the quarter as the 'Horns would trail 16-15 after one.
 
It was more of the same in the second quarter, with the Pronghorns proving their calibre as one of the top teams in Canada West. The 'Horns would outrebound the Bears by two, while also converting three Alberta turnovers into six points.  All eleven of the Lethbridge players dressed saw the floor by the half, with eight finding the scoresheet. The 'Horns would lead 34-32 at the half.
 
The 'Horns would start the third quarter on a 6-0 run thanks to consecutive three pointers by Shae Gibb and De'Andrae Pierre. The Bears would counter with a one-two punch from Adam Paige and fourth-year MacEwan transfer Abdullah Shittu. The Bears would overwhelm the 'Horns on the glass in the third quarter, outrebounding the home side 13 to 5, recording five offensive boards to Lethbridge's zero. Alberta would score 16 of their 20 points in the paint, tying the game 52-52.
 
The Golden Bears would showcase their depth in the final quarter outscoring the 'Horns 26-12 to secure the victory.
 
The Pronghorns and Golden Bears will run it back tomorrow night in the final regular season home game of the season, with tipoff set for 7:00pm. Catch the action on www.canadawest.tv, presented by Co-op.