Marc Majeau, Golden Bears and Pandas Athletics

EDMONTON - The University of Alberta Golden Bears improved their record to 4-3 on Friday evening with a 85-72 victory over the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns (4-1).

It was a back and forth game at the Saville Centre, which saw the Bears shoot 13-38 from beyond the arc. Andre Kelly had a team-high 20 points in the victory, and monster fourth quarter from All-Canadian Brody Clarke lead to yet another double double (18-13) for the Toronto, Ontario product.

Mike Pierzchala had a game-high 29 points in a losing effort for the Pronghorns, and was nearly perfect for the free thrown line, while Zac Overwater played the fourth quarter in foul trouble, he finished with 20 points. Lethbridge turned the ball over 21 times on Friday evening, with Alberta capitalizing with 27 points off turnovers.

A trio of first year Bears helped lead the team to victory. Brandon Meiklejohn scored 13 points, while collecting another 5 rebounds, Adam Paige continued his strong play, scoring 12 points in 21 minutes, and Geoffrey James added three assists and a steal.

Alberta took a 44-35 lead over Lethbridge after the first half, extending their lead with a dominating fourth quarter.

"After Christmas, we're going to tell these guys they aren't rookies anymore because we need them." said Bears Head Coach Barnaby Craddock following the game. "It was nice to see Brandon (Meiklejohn) knock down some shots tonight."

The Golden Bears were not able to get a spark from the bench last week, but that was not the case on Friday evening. The Bears had 29 points off the bench, compared to only 9 for the Pronghorns.

The Golden Bears host the Pronghorns for the second of back-to-back games on Saturday evening at the Saville Centre. Tip off just after 8:00 P.M.