LETHBRIDGE – With lots to celebrate including the graduation of Alec Hillman and Jeff Rodehutskors, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns defeated the MacEwan University Griffins, 88-64, boosted by the support of fans at the 1^st Choice Savings Center.

With the win, the Pronghorns improved to 6-12, while the Griffins fell to 0-18.

With the top twelve teams qualifying for the Canada West playoffs, the Pronghorns looked to stay mathematically alive heading into Saturday's matchups as they looked to catch the 7-10 UFV Cascades and 7-10 UNBC Timerwolves. The Cascades would lose to the UBC Thunderbirds tonight to fall to 7-11, while the Timberwolves would defeat the TRU Wolfpack to improve to 8-10.

The Pronghorns were led by a 22-point, 8 rebound performance by Jeff Rodehutskors in his final home game in a 'Horns uniform. Karter Fry would add 18 points connecting on 6 of his 8 shots, including 3 of 5 from three. Deng Dak would add 16 points, while Angelo Mbituyimana would record a 13-point 11 rebound double-double.

The Griffins were led by captain Job Janda who scored 16 points while adding 5 rebounds. Scottie Austin and Matthew Osunde would pitch in 12 and 11 points a piece for MacEwan.
In fitting fashion, it was Jeff Rodehutskors who would score the Pronghorns' first five points of the quarter in the first minute of action. First, an easy layup with inside position, followed by a three ball from beyond the arc.

From there, the Pronghorns offense would sputter, unable to find success from inside the post, and from midrange and beyond. The Griffins would overwhelm the 'Horns on the glass in the quarter, securing 14 rebounds to Lethbridge's nine. However, MacEwan would be unable to turn this into an advantage on the scoreboard, as they trailed 18-13 following the first quarter.

It was an even start to the second quarter, with the teams trading baskets before a MacEwan timeout with the 'Horns up 29-22. Sparked by a technical foul, the Griffins would embark on a 10-1 run to take a 32-30 lead with the Pronghorns having the last possession.  A Karter Fry buzzer beating three would send Lethbridge into halftime leading 33-32.

It was a quarter of runs in the third, with the 'Horns opening up a 47-40 lead, before the Griffins would come within three, 50-47. Another late 10-4 'Horns run would punctuate the quarter as Lethbridge would take a 60-51 lead into the final quarter. The 'Horns would find three scorers in double digits after three, with multiple players stepping up offensively.

Backed by the raucous home crowd, the 'Horns would wrap up the game with a dominant quarter to secure an 88-64 victory.

The Pronghorns will travel up the QE2 next weekend to wrap up their regular season against the University of Alberta Pandas. The Griffins will travel east to face the University of Regina Cougars.