LETHBRIDGE –Overcoming a sixteen-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter, the University of Alberta Pandas used a determined effort by rookie guard Morgan Harris to defeat the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns 78-74.
 
Leading by three points at the half, the Pronghorns would use a dominant 31-18 third quarter to put themselves in a position to hand the top team in Canada West's Central Division only their third loss of the season.
 
With the Pronghorns up 65-49 to start the fourth quarter, Pandas rookie guard Morgan Harris would will the visitors back into the game. Scoring 14 of her 24 points in the quarter, Alberta would also shut down the Lethbridge offense, limiting the 'Horns to only three made baskets and nine points in the quarter.
 
With the game tied 74-74 with 40 seconds to play, Pandas captain Emma Kary would knock down a jumper just outside the key to put her team ahead by two. An offensive foul on the ensuing Pronghorns possession would give the ball back to the Pandas, securing the game for the visitors.
 
The Pronghorns honored three graduating seniors following the game - Amy Mazutinec, Aimee Wilson, and Isabel Rattai. Their contributions to Pronghorns Athletics and the University of Lethbridge are greatly appreciated.
With the loss, the Pronghorns finish the regular season with a 10-6 record, improving on a 11-10 campaign in the 2019-2020 season. With the win, the Pandas improve to 12-2.
 
The Pronghorns were led by 19 points from Savannah McMahon and Amy Mazutinec, while Jessica Zarowny added 15 points. The Pandas were led by 24 points and 6 rebounds from Morgan Harris, while Emma Kary added 18 and 8.
 
The first quarter saw the 'Horns struggle early to find their footing offensively. Of their first ten shot attempts, none would fall aside from two three-pointers from Amy Mazutinec. A Lethbridge timeout would send the offense back onto the floor with a focus of driving into the paint, leading to consecutive fouls drawn. A 14-7 run to close the quarter would see the Pronghorns cut the Pandas lead to one, 20-19.
 
The Pronghorns defense would step up to start the second quarter, holding the Pandas to only three of their first eleven field goal attempts. The stingy Lethbridge defense would force Alberta to call a timeout halfway through the second quarter, trailing 29-27. A three-minute scoring drought would ensue, with both teams dialing in defensively. The teams would head into halftime with the 'Horns up 34-31.
 
The Pronghorns offense would explode to start the third quarter as the 'Horns would embark on a 23-7 run in the first five minutes of the quarter, shooting a blistering 81% from the field in that stretch. A strong finish to the quarter would see the 'Horns bring a 65-49 lead into the fourth.
 
It was not meant to be as a 29-9 run by Alberta in the final quarter would seal the game for the Pandas.
 
The 'Horns will begin preparations for the opening rounds of the Canada West playoffs to be played in Calgary from March 4^th to March 6^th at Mount Royal University and the University of Calgary. The Pandas will make up a postponed series next weekend in Calgary against the Dinos.