Tyler Crayston, Brandon University Athletics

BRANDON – The Bobcats opened their 2017-18 Canada West home schedule on a high note on Friday night.
 
BU had five players reach double digits in their 89-82 home opening win over the Victoria Vikes in men's basketball action.
 
It was back and forth through the opening 20 minutes. At halftime, Victoria was up 43-41. The two keys were three pointers and free throws by the visitors. The Vikes converted on seven of 15 attempts from beyond the arc, while going eight for 12 from the free throw line.
 
BU turned the tables after the break thanks to an offensive outburst. The Bobcats stormed out of the gate with a well-executed 19-6 run to give them a 60-49 advantage. Brandon's lead at the end of the third was 70-63.
 
The Bobcats' seven-point spread did the trick for most of the fourth. The Vikes trimmed the deficit to three at the three-minute mark, but that is as close as they got.
 
Tyvon Cooper collected a double-double with a game-high 30 points and 10 rebounds as the Bobcats upped their record to 1-and-2.
 
Pookie Saunders was next with 18 points, John Paul poured in 14 points, Jaleel Webb came off the bench with a 13-point performance and Jonathan Range rounded out the scoring with 11 points.
 
Victoria's top scorer was Taylor Montgomery-Stinson with 19 points as the Vikes slipped to 1-and-2 with the loss.

(Photo courtesy: Milana Paddock)