LETHBRIDGE – The Pronghorns are ready to kick off their playoff run with a high-stakes play-in round matchup against the UFV Cascades on Friday, February 21 at 5 p.m. PST at the CARSA Performance Centre in Victoria, BC. The winner will earn a date with the #1-ranked Victoria Vikes on Saturday, February 22 at 7 p.m. PST in the quarterfinals.
 
On paper, this contest is expected to be a tight one. Both teams allow an average of 78 points per game and UFV scores 80 points per game, just slightly ahead of the Horns' 78.5. The Pronghorns finished the regular season with a better record at 11-9, but the Cascades have been surging with a 4-2 record in their last six games, while the Pronghorns has struggled with a 1-5 stretch. Historically, UFV has the edge in their postseason meetings, having defeated the Horns in the best-of-three quarterfinal rounds in both 2012 and 2014.
 
The stakes are high, with the winner advancing to face the three-time defending Canada West champions, the Victoria Vikes. The Vikes are undefeated this season, having cruised through the regular season with a perfect 20-0 record and have never lost a playoff game at home since the CARSA Performance Centre opened in 2015.
 
Pronghorns head coach Kenny Otieno emphasized the importance of discipline and physicality in this game, particularly against UFV's frontcourt, led by standout player Lopez. "Key aspects to the game against UFV are being disciplined and physical early and not letting their frontcourt, specifically Lopez, get easy looks around the rim. Offensively, we need to be intentional with how we use our speed and size against favourable matchups," Otieno said.
 
"We've kept our competitive nature throughout the season and that has helped us prepare for different matchups. Our guys have trusted each other and the process, which has translated well to games," Otieno added. "Against UFV, we want to exploit favourable matchups with intentional offense and a fast pace in transition. Defensively, we need to apply pressure early and not let them run their offense comfortably."
 
It's a do-or-die matchup for the Pronghorns, with a chance to face the top team in the country if they can secure the win. Fans can catch all the action live on canadawest.tv!