Tyler Crayston, Brandon University Athletics

BRANDON, Man. – The Bobcats had a big momentum surge in the second half to power the BU men's basketball team to a 94-74 win over the Mount Royal Cougars on Friday night.

The first quarter saw the Bobcats jump out to a 12-4 lead, before the Cougars countered with a 12-0 run. BU would re-gain control with a burst of offence to close out the opening period.

In the second, Brandon built their advantage to as high as 13 points, before Matthew Guinto drilled a half court buzzer beater to trim the deficit to ten for the Cougars at the break.

The third quarter was quiet on offence at the beginning, before Brandon took full control, outscoring the visitors 28-8.

"The quarter started off a little slow for both teams and we were both missing shots," said Bobcat men's assistant coach Brett Nohr. "We got hot and made some layups. We got in transition and made some steals."

Brandon had five players reach double figures with the senior 'Cats leading the way. Tyvon Cooper collected a game-high 27 points, while Troy Grant got 21 points.

Cooper and Grant will play their final games in a BU uniform on Saturday and will be recognized as part of seniors night.

Jaleel Webb added 18 points, while Pookie Saunders scored a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds for Brandon. Kevone Phillip rounded out the BU offence with 12 points for the Bobcats, who improved their record to 4-and-15.

Mount Royal had three players reach double digits with Kristian Zjak and Guinto getting 16 points apiece. Glen Yang collected 12 points for the Cougars, who slipped to 7-and-12 with the loss.

Brandon and Mount Royal meet in Saturday's rematch at the Healthy Living Centre to cap off the Canada West regular season. The Cougars are still vying for one of the final playoff spots in the conference standings.

(Photo Courtesy: Milana Paddock)