LETHBRIDGE – A dramatic last-second buzzer-beater by Karter Fry capped off a thrilling 83-80 victory for the Pronghorns over the University of Alberta Golden Bears on Friday. The game was an intense back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging leads and momentum throughout the second half.
With the game on the line in the final moments, the Pronghorns had possession of the ball. Fry calmly sank a clutch three-pointer at the buzzer, securing the win and sparking wild celebrations among fans, players, and coaches.
A standout performance came from California native Kymani Pollard, who was named the Mint Smart Wash Player of the Game. Pollard finished with 18 points, hitting five of his ten shots from the field, including two of four from beyond the arc. When asked about the keys to Friday's victory, Pollard credited the team's defense and ball movement as critical factors in overcoming the gritty Golden Bears.
"Defense, ball movement, two feet in the paint, and playing in transition. We worked on those for two straight weeks, nonstop, and it paid off at the end of the game. It was a gritty team we played against, but we're the winners today," Pollard said.
When asked how the buzzer-beater would affect the team's momentum moving forward, Pollard emphasized the importance of hard work and the satisfaction of seeing it pay off in crucial moments.
"It boosts our confidence so much because we work so hard, and for it to pay off at the last second means a lot to us. It will give us energy for the next game," Pollard added.
Head Coach Kenny Otieno reflected on what it took for the Pronghorns to secure the victory. He highlighted the team's defensive effort and their ability to stay cohesive throughout the game.
"It comes down to defense, being on the same page with our ball screen coverages. They run a lot of ball screens, and our rotations when they do get past those screens need to be better. They got hot in the third and fourth quarters, so we'll need to improve that tomorrow. Overall, I thought our guys gave it their all. The effort was great. We battled back after being down in the first quarter. It was a fight until the very end, winning on a buzzer-beater. We let them come back into the game, but we finished the right way by maintaining our lead and not folding when they were catching up. A lot of different factors contributed to winning that game," Otieno said.
When asked what he would say to his team about hitting the buzzer-beater, Otieno acknowledged the importance of learning from the experience.
"It's great for momentum and certainly uplifts the team's spirit, but we shouldn't be in those situations. We did a good job maintaining a comfortable lead, but we had a couple of lapses that allowed them back in. We shouldn't have to rely on buzzer-beaters to save us. Those are big-time moments, and being able to hit clutch shots is the definition of character and staying composed under pressure. So, credit to our guys for sure," Otieno explained.
The Pronghorns' resilience and ability to execute under pressure left a lasting impression on the fans who packed the University gym. With momentum firmly on their side, the Pronghorns now turn their attention to the rematch against the Golden Bears, set for Saturday, January 11, at 7 p.m., hoping to capture another victory and build on Friday's thrilling win.
–CY
