Tyler Crayston, Brandon University Athletics

BRANDON – The Bobcats continued their clutch play during a critical four-game homestand by sweeping the MacEwan Griffins for a second straight night.
 
Saturday's set scores were 25-18, 25-13 and 25-21.
 
BU's first big boost of offence came early as an 8-0 run put the home team ahead 10-5. Brandon University started strong and they finished in style with a 6-2 surge sealing up the first set.
 
The second set followed a similar script with BU jumping out to a 7-1 advantage. Brandon's lead went from comfortable to commanding following a 9-1 run that built their lead to 17-6.
 
In the third, the Griffins came out strong out of the gate and grabbed a 7-2 lead, but BU countered with a 6-1 surge to tie it. The two teams traded points from that point on, but a mini string of three consecutive points by the Bobcats paid big dividends down the stretch.
 
The Bobcats officially clinched a playoff spot with the victory, while improving their Canada West record to 14-and-6. BU currently sits in fourth-place in the standings, which comes with home court advantage in the opening round of the playoffs.
 
Seth Friesen had a match-high 16 kills while Elliot Viles added 12 kills and was involved in five total blocks for BU.
 
Shane Kerrison and Ryan Zachary were the top scorers for the Griffins with both getting six kills each.
 
The Bobcats are back on home floor this week with the Mount Royal Cougars coming to the Healthy Living Centre for matches on Friday and Saturday. Friday's match will be a rare matinee with close to 1,500 students coming to cheer on the BU men's team.
 
Meanwhile, MacEwan is on the road as they clash with the Calgary Dinos.

(Photo courtesy: Milana Paddock)