LETHBRIDGE – Amid a blizzard outside, fans came out for the second game of the weekend between the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns and the MRU Cougars. After a dominant second-half comeback by Lethbridge in Friday's game, the Cougars were eager to even the series. Despite a strong first-half performance from the Pronghorns, the Cougars, led by the stellar play of Kelvonte Watts, surged late to claim a 72-64 victory. Watts finished with 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, guiding MRU to a decisive fourth-quarter rally that ultimately sealed the win. While Lethbridge got solid performances from Angelo Mbituyimana and Kymani Pollard, they couldn't hold off the Cougars' late-game explosion, as MRU turned up the intensity in the final minutes to close out the game with a strong finish.
Q1
- MRU's aggressive defence forced the Pronghorns into several fouls, sending the Cougars to the free-throw line early in the quarter.
- Bryce Solis responded for the Pronghorns with a key three-pointer, keeping the Horns in control of the game.
- Jack Henry Fox-Grey knocked down a three-pointer, helping Lethbridge build an early lead, but a buzzer-beating three from Ijah Nelson kept the Cougars in striking distance.
Q2
- Lethbridge capitalized on MRU's turnovers, converting 10 points off fast breaks, with Shae Gibb creating headaches for the Cougars.
- Angelo Mbituyimana hit a contested step-back three-pointer to push the Hornse's lead to 11 points with 3 minutes remaining in the half.
- Fox-Grey committed a foul with under a minute to play, sending the Cougars to the bonus, but the Pronghorns held onto their lead heading into the break.
Q3
- Mbituyimana stayed hot after halftime, drilling another contested three-pointer to extend the Pronghorns' advantage.
- Kelvonte Watts was outstanding for the Cougars, scoring 14 points and grabbing 5 rebounds through 25 minutes, as MRU worked to close the gap.
- Despite a strong effort from Watts, the Horns' defence kept the Cougars from cutting into the lead significantly.
Q4
- MRU quickly chipped away at Lethbridge's lead, with a well-timed three-pointer from Sam Barnie pulling the Cougars to within 5 points in the opening minute.
- As the game became more physical, both teams struggled to find clean looks, but the intensity ramped up as the clock wound down.
- With 4 minutes remaining, the Cougars overtook the Pronghorns, taking a 64-60 lead as Lethbridge faltered under pressure.
- Dray Walburger's clutch three-pointer with under a minute left pushed the Cougars' lead to 8, effectively putting the game out of reach.
- The Cougars capitalized on their late-game opportunities, much like the night before, closing strong with a 72-64 win.
- Final Score: 72-64 Cougars.
NEXT UP
The Pronghorns will look to bounce back on the road against the Manitoba Bisons on Friday, November 29 at 8:00 p.m. CST, with the game available for live streaming on
canadawest.tv.