LETHBRIDGE – In front of a lively crowd at the 1st Choice Savings Center, the #7 seeded University of Lethbridge Pronghorns ultimately found themselves outmatched by the #2 seeded University of Victoria Vikes 79-55 as the Vikes secured a spot in the Canada West Final Four.
 
Following a first quarter stalemate that saw both teams score 19 points, the Vikes would settle their nerves amidst the raucous Lethbridge crowd. From that point forward, the Vikes would outscore the 'Horns 60-36, thanks in part to thirteen rebound advantage on the defensive glass. Victoria would also overwhelm the 'Horns in the post, scoring 44 points in the paint to Lethbridge's 24.  
 
The Vikes were led by captain and fifth-year senior Scott Kellum's 16 points and 8 rebounds. Matthew Ellis, Diego Maffia, Elias Ralph, and Ethan Boag would chip in 15, 15, 12, and 10 points respectively.
 
"A big part of it was focusing on ourselves," stated Kellum when asked about the game. "It did not matter who was on the other side of the court. It was just playing how we know how to play and focusing on ourselves."
 
"This was a great atmosphere to play in. The fans really bring it.  It was a fun game and a fun place to play in. Shout out to Lethbridge."
 
When asked about advancing to the Canada West final four, Kellum stated: "We are excited. We are going to take the next few weeks to focus inward and see what we can clean up offensively and defensively."
 
The Pronghorns were led by 12 points from Shae Gibb, while Jeff Rodehutskors and Deng Dak added 11 and 9 points apiece.
 
"First word that comes to mind is proud, our group is resilient and gritty, lots to be proud of," commented Pronghorn head coach Jermaine Small. "We are focused on the process and excited to move forward with this group."
 
"It's was tough tonight, missing a couple guys due to injury but that is the best team we have seen this season, credit to Victoria," said Small when asked about tonight's game. "We fought to the end and we can take a lot of lessons from the game that will serve us well moving forward."
 
A competitive first quarter would see the Vikes jump out to an early 12-7 lead thanks to a fast start by captain Scott Kellum. The 'Horns would respond with a 12-7 run of their own to close the quarter, energized by their hometown fans. The teams would head into the quarter break tied 19-19.
 
The Vikes would use their early dominance on the glass to fuel a 14-5 run. With the 'Horns struggling to contain Victoria's pace of play and speed in transition, the visitors would quickly open up a nine-point lead. Lethbridge would head into the half trailing 42-33.
 
Despite Jeff Rodehutskors scoring the Pronghorns' first four points of the third quarter, Lethbridge would be unable to find success sustaining a run. It was once again the dominance by Victoria on the defensive glass that would prove it difficult for the 'Horns to find a rhythm. With the Vikes capitalizing on every possession, Victoria would build a 24-point lead by the end of the quarter.  
 
With the victory, the Vikes will advance to the Canada West final four March 18^th to March 20^th hosted by the University of Alberta. Catch the action live on CanadaWest.TV presented by Co-op.