LETHBRIDGE – The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns came close to completing a weekend sweep of the Regina Cougars, but a late push by the visitors resulted in a 74-68 loss Saturday night at the Co-op Centre for Sport and Wellness. The Pronghorns opened the weekend with a 92-84 victory on Friday before Regina evened the series in the rematch.
Lethbridge came out with a strong first quarter, building a 22-20 lead after the opening 10 minutes. The two teams traded baskets throughout the frame, with Joseph Lemieux leading the early offence for the Pronghorns.
Regina responded in the second quarter, outscoring the home side 22-15 to take a 42-37 advantage into halftime. The Cougars continued to hold the edge in the third, stretching their lead to as many as 10 points before Lethbridge began to work its way back into the game.
The Pronghorns closed the third quarter with a pair of baskets from Joshua Francis, including a dunk, to pull within six at 58-52 heading into the final frame.
Lethbridge carried that momentum into the fourth, getting baskets from Francis and Dray Walburger to cut the deficit to two. The Pronghorns continued to push, tying the game at 61 and again at 66 before Lemieux's basket with just over three minutes remaining made it 68-68.
Regina answered with a basket from Drew Ackerman to regain the lead, then added a late layup and two free throws to secure the six-point win.
Lemieux led the Pronghorns with 21 points and five rebounds, while Walburger recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, adding four assists and two blocks. Francis also reached double figures with 11 points and three assists.
For Regina, Isaiah Bay led all scorers with 18 points, while Cade Mather added 16 points and a game-high 14 rebounds.
The Pronghorns finished the weekend with a split against the Cougars, taking Friday's opener 92-84 before Saturday's 74-68 result.
The Horns will be back in action November 13-14, travelling to Saskatoon to take on the Saskatchewan Huskies, while Regina hosts the Winnipeg Wesmen.
