Arron Lai, Pronghorn Athletics
LETHBRIDGE, Alta - Following a complete 84-65 showing against the Victoria Vikes in the first game of the weekend series, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns outplayed the University of Victoria Vikes in the fourth quarter en route to an 82-66 victory at the 1st Choice Savings Center in Lethbridge.
With the game tied 55-55 heading into the fourth quarter, the Pronghorns and Vikes would seemingly be gearing up for a nail-biting finish. Energized by the home crowd, the Pronghorns would score the quarter's first nine points thanks to the Kyle Peterson show. Entering the fourth quarter with five points, Peterson would score eight of the 'Horns first nine points.
Back-to-back three pointers from third-year transfer guard Eric Pierce, and fifth-year senior Zac Overwater would put the Pronghorns up by 15. The Vikes were unable to buy a shot in the quarter, unable to find a basket until the 2:45 mark where Scott Kellum would connect on an open three pointer. By then, the 'Horns had opened up a comfortable 17 point lead.
With the victory, the Pronghorns move into a tie for seventh place with the Saskatchewan Huskies. The Huskies entered the game with an identical 8-7 record as the 'Horns, but also picked up a win tonight against the Mount Royal Cougars as both Lethbridge and Saskatchewan now hold 9-7 records. Victoria falls to 6-10 and one win outside the top 12.
The Pronghorns would be led by Zac Overwater, who came just shy of a double-double (23 points, 9 rebounds). Colton Gibb would add 20 points, while Eric Pierce and Kyle Peterson would both chip in 7 rebounds, as well as 14 and 13 points a piece. The Horns outrebounded the Vikes 47-36 in the game, while shooting the ball at 43% (32 of 73).
The visitors were paced by fifth year Jordan Charles, who recorded 19 points and eight rebounds. Scott Kellum would add 11 points, with no other Victoria player reaching double digits in points.
The 'Horns got off to a blazing start, scoring the game's first six points. From there, the Vikes would begin to find their form, with third-year guard Scott Kellum and fifth-year guard Jordan Charles heating up for the visitors. The duo would combine for all but five of Victoria's first quarter points. The Vikes would rely heavily on Kellum and Charles, finding success in isolation. Colton Gibb would have a dominant quarter for the Pronghorns, only missing on one of his five shots, adding a pair of free throws for 10 points in the quarter.
The Vikes came out to a hot start of their own in the second, going on a 7-0 run started by a three pointer from Scott Kellum. The Pronghorns would have opportunities early in the quarter, but would be unable to find any ball luck in the first couple minutes.
The Pronghorns would look to build momentum following a Victoria timeout after the Pronghorns drew a foul. Out of the timeout, the 'Horns would draw up a perfect inbound play which would see Zac Overwater drive to the key for a dunk. Overwater and Brett Warren would begin to takeover for the 'Horns, combining for the Pronghorns last 12 points in the quarter. Overwater and Colton Gibb would lead their team with 10 points a piece heading into halftime, with the 'Horns only trailing by three, 37-34.
The third quarter would start as a defensive battle, with the teams trading jump shots before going scoreless for two minutes. Things would open up following a Mike Pierzchala three pointer, as the teams would seemingly be unable to miss, scoring on five of the next six possessions. With the Vikes leading 45-43 halfway through the quarter, a big block by Pierzchala would be followed by back-to-back three pointers from Colton Gibb. However, the Vikes would have an answer for Gibb, connecting on consecutive possessions, followed by a big three-pointer from Graeme Hyde-Lay. The 'Horns would respond with a 6-2 run to close the quarter, sending the game into a 55-55 tie heading into the fourth.
With the Vikes unable to find their shooting form in the fourth, connecting on only four of 20 shots, the Pronghorns used an efficient nine of 18 shooting to sink the visiting team.
The Pronghorns will continue their homestand next weekend as they host the Trinity Western University Spartans. Friday tip off is set for 8pm MT time, while the Saturday rematch takes place at 7pm MT and is the team's annual Bell Let's Talk and Seniors Night Game. The Vikes will travel back to the west coast to host the MacEwan Griffins.
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Photo by: MPP Photogaphy