LETHBRIDGE – Twenty-three hours after their previous matchup, the University of Lethbridge hosted the second game of the weekend series between the MRU Cougars and the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns. MRU Cougars completed the sweep over the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, securing a 68-55 victory in the second game of their weekend series. After a hard-fought win the night before, the Cougars controlled the game from start to finish, led by an outstanding performance from Nora Luca, who registered 15 points and 18 rebounds for a double-double. MRU's defensive pressure forced turnovers, while their balanced offensive attack overwhelmed the Pronghorns, who struggled with scoring consistency and lacked production from their bench. Although Lethbridge made a push in the third quarter, MRU remained steady and closed out the game with a strong fourth quarter. The Pronghorns will look to bounce back on their road trip, while MRU will aim to carry their momentum into upcoming matchups.


Q1

• The Cougars set the tone early, forcing multiple turnovers and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities, taking an early lead and dictating the pace of the game.
• Asha Donnelly's three-pointer in the opening minutes gave MRU a spark, stretching their lead and keeping the Horns on their heels.
• MRU dominated the glass, grabbing 9 offensive and 6 defensive rebounds, while Lethbridge struggled to secure second-chance opportunities and limit MRU's possession.
• The Cougars' size and physicality inside proved too much for the Pronghorns to handle, as MRU continued to control the paint and finish around the basket.

Q2

• Pronghorns responded early in the second quarter, with Kyra Collier making a quick move down low to beat her defender and score an important basket, giving the Pronghorns some life.
• MRU's depth continued to shine as their bench contributed key points, spreading the scoring load and showing just how dangerous their entire roster can be.
• The Cougars' ball movement kept Lethbridge's defence scrambling, finding open shooters and attacking the rim, with MRU capitalizing on their offensive opportunities.
• A crucial factor in MRU's lead was their ability to convert Lethbridge's mistakes into points, scoring 18 points off 13 turnovers committed by the Pronghorns.

Q3

• Lethbridge came out with a bit more energy in the third quarter, as Piper Dobbelsteyn knocked down a much-needed three-pointer early, briefly cutting into MRU's lead.
• The pace of the game slowed significantly in the third, with both teams committing multiple fouls, which disrupted the flow and gave neither side a real rhythm.
• Despite a stronger showing from the Pronghorns, MRU maintained their control, limiting the Horn's offensive opportunities and keeping them at bay with solid defensive play.
• By the end of the quarter, Lethbridge was still down by 13 points, unable to mount a serious challenge to the Cougars, who continued to execute well on both ends of the floor.

Q4

• MRU came out strong in the final frame, with Maddy Hooper being fouled after converting a driving layup, completing the and-one play to push the lead even further.
• Nora Luca delivered a crucial three-pointer with 6:30 left in the game, extending MRU's lead to 19 points and effectively sealing the victory.
• The Cougars' forwards, Jenika Martens and Jenessa Ramsoomair, took control in the final minutes, with Ramsoomair continuing to dominate the paint and Martens leading all scorers with 17 points.
• MRU's defence remained airtight, preventing any serious comeback from the Pronghorns, as they executed flawlessly down the stretch to close out the win.
• Final Score: 68-55 in favour of Cougars.

NEXT UP
The Pronghorns will look to bounce back on the road as they face the Manitoba Bisons on Friday, November 29 at 6:00 PM CST, with the game available for live streaming on canadawest.tv.