Josh Tevlin, Dinos Communications

CALGARY – Sloppy second half defense resulted in the University of Calgary Dinos dropping their first of a two game series with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies 67-58 Friday night in the Jack Simpson Gym.

Both teams came into this game as defensive powerhouses eager to establish themselves in this Canada West rivalry. And, as expected, the first half was a defensive battle, with each team holding the opposition to under 30 points. The reigning U SPORTS silver medalist Huskies took the lead early in this match up and never looked back, maintaining the lead throughout the game's entirety. Four quarters of dominant defense and superior finishing produced a nine-point win for the visiting Huskies.

The opening quarter was characterized by tight defense. The defensive effort of the Dinos proved effective early in the game, but poor finishing and strong Huskies defense held the Dinos to only nine points in the first quarter. In addition to great defense, Huskies star forward Summer Masikewich dominated in the post, scoring Saskatchewan's first seven points.

The Dinos answered in the second quarter with a series of crucial three-pointers to put them back in the game. Bobbi Jo Colburn, who finished the game with 22 points, helped the Dinos tie the game late in the second quarter.

The Huskies were much more efficient than the Dinos in the second half. An early nine-point deficit gave the visiting huskies plenty of breathing room as they approached the final quarter of play. Continued dominance by Masikewich led to a game-sealing 4- point second half for the Huskies. Saskatchewan held the lead until the final buzzer resulting in the third regular season loss for the Dinos.

"We held them to 27 points in the first half, which we should be pretty pleased with," explained Coach Damian Jennings. "Tomorrow it's about getting the sequence of defense that we had in the first half and the bravery of offense in the second half."

Colburn led the Dinos in scoring and rebounding with 22 and seven, respectively. Erin McIntosh added 13 points on impressive 60 per cent three-point shooting.

The Huskies' Summer Masikewich dominated the game with 26 points and 12 reboundsm while Sabine Dukate, wasn't far behind with an important 16 points and nine rebounds to help secure the win.

The Dinos get a second chance against the Huskies Saturday at 5 p.m. in the Jack Simpson Gym.

-UC-

Photo by David Moll