POST GAME
LETHBRIDGE - One day after the Pronghorns' Canada West season opener at home, the Horns faced off against the University of Regina Cougars at the University of Lethbridge Centre for Sport and Wellness in another exciting matchup. The starting lineups remained the same as in Friday's game, and while the Pronghorns started slowly they made a strong effort in the second half, closing the gap and bringing the game back within reach. Throughout the contest, both teams faced moments of foul trouble, leading to significant momentum swings. While the Cougars' lead fluctuated, they ultimately secured the victory with a final score of 70-64, splitting their series in Lethbridge.

Q1

• While yesterday's game between these two featured 12 lead changes, today's game should be noted for its more methodical pace in the early moments, where Regina's Jade Belmore made her presence felt on the scoreboard.
• After a Lethbridge timeout, the Horns changed their defensive approach to a full-court press, immediately tightening the game in transition.
• Although Lethbridge's efforts didn't pay off by the end of the first quarter, the Cougars led the Pronghorns 21-10.

Q2

• The second quarter started with a stronger dose of intensity, as Lethbridge committed four team fouls in the first three minutes, creating a charged atmosphere that permeated the Center for Sport and Wellness.
• The Cougars continued to pile on the pressure late in the second quarter, going 10-12 from the free-throw line and making the Pronghorns pay. While the Horns were down by 11 at halftime, they began to make proactive plays in the last two minutes, including a clinical three-pointer by star shooting guard Piper Dobbelsteyn and a hard-fought trip to the line by Kyra Collier.
• However, the Pronghorns faced a tough task in the second half, trying to quell the Cougars' relentless pressure in the paint, with Jade Belmore scoring seven points and collecting six rebounds.

Q3

• The Cougars came out of the dressing rooms buzzing, starting the quarter by extending their lead over the Horns with a flurry of points in the paint, including a deep three-pointer by Cara Misskey.
• With four minutes left in the quarter, the Pronghorns found themselves in foul trouble, accumulating 13 total team fouls to that point.
• By the end of the third quarter, it was all Cougars in the windy city, with Regina's Cara Misskey and Jade Belmore combining for over half of Regina's total points.

Q4

• With five minutes remaining in the quarter, the Horns cut the Cougars' lead down to just nine points, with Pronghorns forward Tobore Okome and guard Piper Dobbelsteyn leading the late charge.
• With just under four minutes remaining in the game, Cougars had already committed five team fouls, leaving the door open for the Pronghorns to capitalize in the closing moments.
• However, while the Horns pressed late, their efforts proved ultimately futile, as the Cougars managed to hang on to a six-point lead, resulting in a 70-64 victory for the University of Regina.

NEXT UP
University of Regina Cougars will play their next game Canada West matchup in Brandon against the Bobcats on November 8-9, while the Horns will have a bye-week before their turn to take on the Bobcats on November 15-16 on the road in Brandon, MB. Catch the action live at canadawest.tv.