BRANDON – Basketball fans in Brandon were eagerly awaiting the regular season debut of the Bobcats. Those fans were treated to a gem of a game Friday night in Brandon, although the result wasn't what they were looking for as the visiting Lethbridge Pronghorns were able to hold off a late surge to win 85-82.

The 'Cats started the game on a 9-1 run in the opening minutes of play, leading 15-5 at the mid-way point of the first frame. That lead was short-lived as Lethbridge led 21-20 at the end of the first. The second saw big shots from both sides, before Lethbridge started the third quarter on a 9-0 run to lead 52-49.

The two teams exchanged leads before the 'Horns picked up two pivotal free throws with only 48 seconds left to play, giving them the edge, and eventually the win, over the Bobcats.

Zac Overwater led the Pronghorn charge with 18 points.  Brandon Brine chipped in 16 points and four rebounds.

Ali-Mounir Benabdelhak added 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Ryan Hawley added 15 points for the Bobcats. 

The loss gives Brandon a 0-1 record to begin the season, with Lethbridge sitting at 1-0.

The rematch takes place Saturday night at 7:45pm in Brandon at the HLC.