POST GAME
LETHBRIDGE – The Saturday game of the weekend set between the UBC Okaganan Heat and the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns came down to the wire, with the final possessions deciding the match. The Heat emerged victorious 76-71 due in part to late game inexperience from the young Pronghorns squad.
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BREAKDOWN
- The Pronghorns struggled early, falling behind 17-6 in the first quarter, setting a challenging tone for the game.
- Joe Lemieux and Parker Flemming were the first substitutions for the Pronghorns, and their entry sparked a change in momentum for the home team. They fueled a scoring run that saw the Pronghorns narrow the score, as the first quarter finished with the Heat leading 19-17.
- In the second quarter, the Pronghorns continued their resurgence, seizing a single-digit lead over the UBCO Heat. Shae Gibb drained a pair of shots from beyond the arc to spur a comeback for the Horns.
- The first half concluded with the visiting Heat in the driver's seat, leading 37-31 against the Pronghorns. Hafth Moallin, who had previously secured a game-winner in their encounter on the previous night, where the Heat narrowly defeated the Horns 77-76, contributed 10 points for UBCO in the first half. Jack-Henry Fox-Grey emerged as the leading scorer for the Pronghorns at the half with eight points.
- The UBC Okanagan Heat came out strong in the third quarter, extending their lead to 13 points. The Pronghorns faced a daunting challenge, but they weren't ready to back down.
- Despite the Heat's strong performance, the Pronghorns fought back. Kymani Pollard showcased his skills with an impressive three-pointer and Brady Baines added to the excitement, scoring back-to-back three-pointers, which brought the game back within single digits for the Horns.
- Head Coach, Kenny Otieno, called a timeout for the Pronghorns with the Heat up 73-69 with three minutes left in the game, but the Horns couldn't find the bottom of the basket until just over one minute left as Kymani Pollard earned the layup over his defender bringing the score within two.
- Kymani Pollard put up a three up as the shot clock wound down, but missed the mark, sending the Heat to the line. Jas Dhudwal made one of two free throws, to give the ball back to the 'Horns with a chance to tie the game. A three pointer taken far too early in the final possession did not find the mark as Dhudwal would ice the game at the line.
- This thrilling game highlighted the Pronghorns' ability to adapt and turn the tide in their favor. Substitutions played a pivotal role in their comeback, showcasing the team's depth and resilience. The back-and-forth nature of the match kept fans on the edge of their seats, and it was clear that both teams were giving their all to secure victory.
NEXT UP
The Horns run it back next weekend at home against the University of Lethbridge Gymnasium.
