Tyler Crayston, Brandon University Athletics

BRANDON – In a battle of balanced scoring teams, the UNBC Timberwolves came out on top over the host Bobcats 85-79 in Canada West men's basketball action on Friday night.

Jovan Leamy and Volodymyr Pluzhnikov provided a 1-2 offensive punch for the Timberwolves. Leamy paced UNBC with 22 points, while Pluzhnikov provided 21 points.

Anthony Hokanson had 17 points for the Timberwolves, who extended their winning streak to three straight. UNBC's recent run has their record sitting just below .500 at 7-and-8.

BU had four players reach double figures in a losing cause. Tyvon Cooper led BU with 22 points, while Jonathan Range recorded 21 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double. Pookie Saunders and John Paul each had 13 points as the Bobcats suffered their third straight setback to slip to 6-and-7.

Brandon led 21-16 with two minutes to go in the first quarter, but UNBC countered with a 10-2 run to finish the frame with a 26-23 advantage. At halftime, BU trailed 45-42.

At the midway mark of the third quarter, UNBC gained a key momentum swing with a 6-0 run, turning a 55-53 lead into a 61-53 advantage.

The Bobcats battled back in the fourth to tie the game 69-69, but the Timberwolves used clutch three pointers down the stretch to pull ahead for good.

Brandon and UNBC meet again on Saturday at night at the Healthy Living Centre to close out the weekend series.

(Photo courtesy: Milana Paddock)