Arron Lai, Pronghorns Athletics
LETHBRIDGE, Alta - In the final regular season home games for Zac Overwater and Josh Sparkes, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns delivered for their two seniors as they defeated the Trinity Western University Spartans 109-86.
Following their 115-87 win in the series opener, the Pronghorns were involved in a much closer game tonight, but used a strong first and fourth quarters to pace themselves for their fourth consecutive victory.
Prior to the game, the 'Horns celebrated the careers of Sparkes and Overwater. Both players made tremendous contributions to the program throughout their careers in the gold and blue.
Entering the game, the Pronghorns had won six of their last seven games. With this victory, the 'Horns extend their winning streak to four games, wrapping up the home portion of the schedule with a record of 6-4 at home, while improving to 11-7 on the season. The victory puts the Pronghorns in the drivers' seat to host a home playoff game, as they move into a sixth place tie with the UFV Cascades with 22 points. The Canada West playoffs begin February 8 and 9, as the teams' ranked fifth to eighth (after RPI re-rankings) will host a one game play-in matchup.
The Pronghorns were led on the night by Zac Overwater, who scored 22 points on an efficient 8 of 14 shooting, while adding eight rebounds, three assists, a block, and a steal. Kyle Peterson chipped in 17 points on 6 of 9 shooting, as well as 7 assists and 2 steals. Mike Pierzchala (16 points), Colton Gibb (13 points), Brett Warren (12 points), and Eric Pierce (11 points) would also contribute for the 'Horns as they shot 51% as a team in the game (40 of 78).
Two Spartans would pass the 20 point mark, with Ethan DaSilva putting in 21 points, and Vartan Tanielian 23 points. Isaiah Remier (18 points), and Josiah Allision (11 points) were also contributors for the Spartans.
Energized by their seniors nights presentations, the 'Horns got off to a quick 8-0 run thanks to baskets by Colton Gibb, Zac Overwater, and Josh Sparkes. From there, the 'Horns put their mark on the game on both sides of the ball as it was clear that they were not going to leave the 1st Choice Savings Center without a victory for their graduating players. The Pronghorns shared the ball effectively, as seven different players registered an assist in the quarter. Seven 'Horns also found their way onto the scoresheet, with Eric Pierce leading the way with two three-pointers. Outscoring the visitors by 16, the Pronghorns took a 24-8 lead into the second quarter.
The second frame saw Lethbridge continue their strong play, extending their lead by as many as 24 thanks in large part to their success from three point range. In the play of the game, Keanu Funa would strip the ball from the Spartans and pass it off to Eric Pierce. Running the floor alongside Funa, Pierce would lob the ball up to Funa who would emphatically dunk the ball, bringing one of the largest crowds of the season to their feet. The Spartans would refuse to go away, fighting for baskets and possessions. Although the 'Horns would still outscore the visitors 23- 20, an improved 10 minutes of play by the Spartans would see the 'Horns take a 47-28 lead into the half.
The Spartans would begin the third quarter looking rejuvenated by the halftime break, as their shooters would begin to find their form. Fifth-year senior Vartan Tanielian and third-year Borja Soriano would heat up for the Spartans, as they would trim the Pronghorns lead to a mere eight points with just under two minutes to play with a 17-4 run.
Brett Warren would come up big for the Pronghorns, connecting on a three-pointer before driving the ball to the basket and forcing a foul on Zac Overwater. With the 'Horns back up by double-digits (14), fourth-year Calgary native Ethan Dasilva would score five consecutive points for the Spartans before a Kyle Peterson three and a Zac Overwater buzzer-beater would put the 'Horns up 75-62 after three. Both teams would shoot the three ball efficiently in the quarter, with the Spartans connecting on five of their 11 attempts in the quarter, and the 'Horns four of their eight attempts.
The road side would refuse to go away, hanging tight with the Pronghorns for the first two minutes of the quarter. A 6-0 run by the Pronghorns would re-energize the home side, thanks to big plays by Brett Warren, Zach Overwater, and Eric Pierce. From that point on, tensions would begin to boil between the two teams. Five technical fouls would be awarded, with the 'Horns receiving four technicals, and the Spartans one.
The Pronghorns will wrap up their Canada West regular season schedule next weekend, as they travel west to face the 8-9 UNBC Timberwolves. Friday tip off is set for 9pm MT time, while the Saturday rematch takes place at 8pm MT. The Spartans to take on the UFV Cascades in a home-and-home series starting Friday night in Abbotsford.
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Photo by: MPP Photography