Lethbridge – After trailing by 12 points at the half, the Lethbridge Pronghorn men's basketball team exploded for 54 second half points to beat the Regina Cougars 93-85 Friday night at the 1st Choice Savings Centre.
It was the 'Horns first win on home court after being swept by the Winnipeg Wesmen during the home opener weekend two weeks ago and improves their record to 5-2 on the season. The loss drops the Cougars to 2-5.
The 'Horns relied on a balanced attack tonight with six Pronghorns hit double digits on the night, but Jared Baker led the way with 20 points, including an impressive 12 of 13 from the charity stripe. Brandon Brine chipped in with 16 points, while freshmen Mike Pierzchala and Zac Overwater continued to impress during their first season with the program and contributed with 17 and 13 respectively.
Pierzchala was near perfect on the night, going 6 for 7 from the floor, including three for three from behind the arc.
For the Cougars, the Tull brothers continue to propel the Cougar offence with Brandon scoring a game high 22 points, and Jonathon chipping in with 19 in a losing cause.
Following an even opening quarter, where both teams looked poised and took care of the ball, the 'Horns went ice cold in the second quarter, while the Cougars heated up.
Pouring in 30 second quarter points, the Cougars turned the 'Horns one point advantage at the end of one into a 12 point lead, 51-39 at the break.
During the opening half, the Cougars were 56% from the field, while the Pronghorns, despite shooting at a 42% clip in the half, only hit five field goals in the second quarter.
The second half was a different story for the home side, as the 'Horns upped the defensive pressure and found their rhythm offensively, shooting 59.3% and holding the Cougars to 34 second half points.
Even though Baker led the 'Horns in scoring, he did the bulk of his damage in the second half, scoring 17 of his 20 points and getting to the line 13 times to spearhead the 'Horns comeback.
Another area that the 'Horns drastically improved on in the second half was their work on the glass, out rebounding the Cougars 22-11 after the Cougars held a 19 to 11 advantage in the opening half.
The 'Horns and Cougars will put a wrap on the weekend tomorrow night, tip-off is scheduled for 7:00pm and the game will also be webcast on http://canadawest.tv.