Tyler Crayston, Brandon University Athletics

BRANDON – The Bobcats have established themselves early as a tough check on home court.
 
BU swept their first set of Canada West games at the Healthy Living Centre after picking up an 80-70 victory over the Victoria Vikes in men's basketball action on Saturday night.
 
The Bobcats turned a 15-13 first quarter lead into a 21-13 advantage thanks to a 6-0 run to close out the first. At the break, Brandon was up 41-32.
 
The Bobcats' lead grew to double figures after halftime, but Victoria trimmed the deficit to 55-51 in the late stages of the third.
 
Just as the Vikes battled their way back in, BU's offence caught fire to storm ahead for good. The Bobcats strung together nine straight points to build up a 64-51 cushion.
 
Tyvon Cooper collected 23 points as BU improved their record to 2-and-2.
                                                                                 
Jonathan Range recorded 20 points; Pookie Saunders added 14 points and John Paul picked up a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds for BU.
 
Victoria's Justin Kinnear led all scorers with 24 points, but the Vikes slipped to 1-and-3 with the loss.
 
The Bobcats go into a bye weekend with back-to-back wins. Their next chance to continue their winning ways will be November 17-18 when they welcome the Calgary Dinos. Meanwhile, the Vikes are visiting the Trinity Western Spartans this coming weekend.

(Photo courtesy: Milana Paddock)