The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns came up short, losing 76-50 in an important late-season matchup against the University of Alberta Pandas on Friday night at the Saville Centre.

It was a strong defensive game from both sides as the teams combined to shoot just 32% (46/145) from the field and make just 13 threes in the contest. Claire Signatovich led the Pandas, finishing with 21 points and 16 rebounds while rookie Piper Dobbelsteyn led the way for Lethbridge scoring a team-high 12 points.

The Pronghorns drop their first game in three contests and slide to 7-12; locked with the UNBC Timberwolves for the 12th and final playoff spot.

It was a defensive onslaught to start the game with both squads displaying tenacious defensive effort. At the midway point through the first, the teams combined to shoot just 4-for-23 from the field. However, the hosts would begin to figure it out on the offensive end, owing to a ferocious full court press that would help generate 10 points off of seven turnovers in the quarter. Signatovich was a massive contributor in the frame scoring six points and grabbing five rebounds.

The 'Horns heated up after the break with a 7-2 run to get back into the game. Piper Dobbelsteyn led the way for the visitors, scoring a quarter-high seven points. And while the offensive effort certainly improved, they still trailed the Pandas 35-20 at the half.

Signatovich was the key cog for Alberta through two quarters, with the Canada West leading rebounder incredibly picking up a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds at just the half.

The Pandas would build on their lead in the third quarter, shooting .533 in the frame and outscoring Lethbridge 21-17. Signatovich continued her phenomenal performance with a team-high six points in the quarter, while the Pronghorns were paced by captain Jessica Haenni who scored a quarter-high seven.

Alberta would put the game to rest with a strong fourth quarter showing. They outscored the visitors 20-13 led by a quarter-high five points from Signatovich.

The teams return to Saville tomorrow night for an all important match that has huge playoff implications for both squads.