LETHBRIDGE – The Horns' 2026-27 Canada West season got underway Friday night at the Co-op Centre for Sport and Wellness, opening their campaign with a 92-84 win over the Regina Cougars.
Regina came out strong, building an early lead behind an efficient offensive start. The Cougars put up 26 points in the opening quarter, while the Pronghorns worked to find their rhythm, trailing 26-21 after the first 10 minutes.
The Horns found their footing in the second quarter, with Joshua Francis getting to the basket and Brady Baines providing a spark from beyond the arc. Lethbridge continued to chip away, matching Regina's 20 points in the frame to head into halftime down just 46-43.
Regina opened the third quarter with a basket to extend its lead, but the Pronghorns began to turn the momentum. Nathaniel Hosannah's three-pointer gave Lethbridge its first lead of the night at 49-48, and he followed with a steal and fast-break dunk to put the Horns ahead. The Pronghorns found their rhythm offensively, with Cole Steele adding a dunk off a Baines assist and Francis and Joseph Lemieux contributing around the basket. Lethbridge put together a 27-point third quarter, taking a 70-60 lead into the final frame.
The Cougars continued to push in the fourth, cutting into the Pronghorns' lead with a series of baskets from the perimeter. Lethbridge responded with timely scores of its own, including a three-pointer from Dray Walburger and another from Lemieux, who also added a late layup. The Pronghorns maintained their advantage down the stretch to secure a 92-84 win.
Lemieux finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double, while Walburger, Francis and Hosannah each added 16 points. Hosannah also recorded four steals, while Baines finished with five assists.
The Pronghorns and Cougars will be back on the court tomorrow night for the rematch at the Co-op Centre for Sport and Wellness, with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m.
