Lethbridge – Thanks to a concerted effort on the defensive end of the floor, the Lethbridge Pronghorn's rebounded from Friday night with an 82-70 win over the Calgary Dinos to earn a weekend split and put an end to a six game losing streak in the process.
The win improves the 'Horns to 6-8 on the season while the loss drops the Dinos to 10-3 on the campaign. However, the Dinos still hold top spot in the Pioneer Division with a month left in the conference schedule.
Brandon Brine led the way for the Pronghorns with 30 points, with Brent Watkins and Jared Baker chipping in with 14 and 13 respectively.
A night after his first career triple-double, Jarred Ogunbemi-Jackson was held in relative check, registering 15 points while teammate Dallas Karch also connected for 15 points in the loss.
Coming off an impressive shooting performance in Friday night's win, the Dinos started game two the same way, jumping out to a 7-2 lead and forcing 'Horns head coach Mike Hansen to call an early timeout to rally the troops.
One night ago, the Dinos hit 17 three-balls and were 50% from the field en route to a 95-84 win.
The early timeout seemed to halt the Dino early momentum and allowed the Pronghorns to find their footing. With the game stalled at 9-7 Dinos, Aussie Brandon Brine kick-started for the 'Horns offense, hitting back-to-back threes to give the 'Horns the lead as well as giving the offense a shot in the arm.
After hitting six long balls in the opening quarter last night, the Dinos shooters only connected on one of five from behind the arc, while the 'Horns who have struggled of late offensively, hit for three from long distance and 40% overall.
Brine's hot hand continued into the second, hitting another three early on his way to finishing the half with 17.
Keeping the Dinos offense off-balance all half, holding the visitors to only nine second quarter points, the 'Horns were able to build a 34-22 lead at the break. The Dinos were only 29% from the field in the opening half and 2 for 13 from downtown, a far cry from Friday night's 50 points opening half.
Coming out of the gate in the second half, the 'Horns knew they would have to weather an inevitable storm from the Dinos. Jhony Verrone's three pointer cut the deficit to nine but the 'Horns were able to surge ahead, ballooning the lead to as many as 19 points before settling for a 16 point lead with 10 minutes to play.
The Dinos would again threaten in the fourth quarter, bringing the game within six points with four minutes remaining but Jared Baker's clutch three pointer gave the 'Horns some breathing room. Baker then followed it up with an old fashion three point play to kick start a 9-2 run to seal the 'Horns victory.
After a by next weekend, the 'Horns will head out on the road, traveling to face the Victoria Vikes. The Dinos will return home to host the Vikes next weekend.