Josh Tevlin; Dinos Communications

CALGARY – In a game that came right down to the wire, the University of Calgary Dinos secured their first regular season win against the provincial rival University of Alberta Pandas in a 65-62 victory Thursday night in the Jack Simpson Gym.

This game was characterized by fast-paced, unpolished offence, and aggressive defence. The sheer number of turnovers and total shots told a story of quick possessions and frantic offence. The Pandas had a total of 30 turnovers throughout the game with 51 field goal attempts. In addition, the Dinos tallied 19 turnovers with 76 field goal attempts. These two teams remained neck and neck up until the final buzzer with the score being tied 6 seperate times as well as 6 total lead changes.

"Of course it's good to get off with a first win,' commented Calgary Head Coach Damian Jennings, "but we executed poorly, just technically and just finishing in general."

The opening quarter laid out the blueprint for the remainder of the game. It was an early lead for the Dinos, but that lead was overshadowed by a high count of turnovers and poor finishing for both sides. Calgary maintained a one-point lead going into the second quarter, spearheaded by guard Sascha Lichtenwald's six points.

The second quarter stayed very close throughout, concluding with a tie game going into half-time. Each team had a total of 12 turnovers after two quarters of play. The Pandas dominated in field goal percentage at the half with 48 per cent to the Dinos' 32. However, Calgary had the edge in three-point percentage at 60 per cent compared to Alberta's 44.

The second half began heavily in the Pandas' favour. Alberta maintained a lead until the end of the third quarter. At that point, the Dinos took control of the game. This provincial showdown remained tight until the end of the fourth, ultimately concluding with a Lichtenwald and Erin McIntosh led Dinos win.

The Dinos backcourt made a huge impact, with McIntosh, Lichtenwald, and Liene Stalidzane tallying 17, 12, and nine points respectively. Kiki Knox added 10 points and 7 rebounds.

For Alberta, Emma Kary and Vanessa Wild made plenty of noise on the offence. Kary finished with 25 points and Wild with 16.

The Dinos and Pandas will play the return game of the weekend home-and-home Saturday night in Edmonton when they face off at the Saville Community Sports Centre. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m., live on CanadaWest.tv.

-UC-

Photo by David Moll