CALGARY – Robbie Sihota and Henry Bekkering combined for 59 points Friday as the seventh-ranked University of Calgary Dinos defeated the Brandon Bobcats 97-87 in front of 1087 fans at the Jack Simpson Gym.
BOX SCORE
Sihota's 25 points coupled with Bekkering's 24 sparked the Dinos to a second quarter rally, a dominant third, and an entertaining fourth quarter that featured 62 points between the two sides.
It was just Calgary's second win over Brandon in the last seven games and marked the first time the Dinos had played a game that mattered on their home court since a loss to the Bobcats in the Canada West bronze medal match last March.
“We played two quarters of good defence in the second and third, and our energy level was good tonight,” said ninth-year Calgary head coach Dan Vanhooren. “We came out a little flat with some nervous energy for the home opener, but I'm really happy with the performance from the second quarter on, except maybe some lack of discipline in the last six minutes.”
Brandon took advantage of that nervous energy, opening the game with a 7-0 run before the Dinos found their scoring touch. An 11-0 run by the Dinos, featuring a nice fadeaway jumper by Henry, put Calgary up by four. Cue another run by the Bobcats, who ended the opening quarter by outscoring the Dinos 14-6 to take a 25-17 lead into the second.
Calgary's defence stepped it up in the second, allowing just 12 Brandon points while scoring 18 and two free throws by Lindsay Thouret brought the home side to within two points at halftime, trailing 37-35.
A quick trey by Henry Bekkering gave the Dinos the lead early in the third, and a layup by Tyler Fidler put the Dinos in front for good just under three minutes into the half. Their defence continued to limit the Bobcats ability to score, and Calgary enjoyed a 14-point advantage in the third quarter to take a 67-55 lead into the final frame.
Both teams put on an offensive show in the fourth, with Brandon actually outscoring Calgary 32-30. The Dinos' lead did extend to as many as 16 points at one point, but their free-wheeling offensive style led to several turnovers, which became easy points for Brandon.
“I think we just got caught up in it a little,” said Vanhooren. “Our guys are athletic and were maybe having a little too much fun with it. We have to stay focused regardless of the situation in the game.”
Fourth-year guard Dany Charlery led the way offensively for Brandon with 29 points, while transfer Rejean Chabot added 20. Despite the success of those two players, however, Vanhooren was happy with his team's effort over a Bobcats team that has caused the Dinos trouble of late.
“We haven't won many games over them in the last few years,” he said. “Charlery and Chabot or tough match-ups for us, so it was big to come out of this with a win.”
Fidler added 18 points on the night for Calgary, while Ross Bekkering had the night's lone double-double with 14 rebounds nearly equaling his 15-point total.
The win moves Calgary to 4-1 on the season with the Regina Cougars set to visit the Jack Saturday night. Brandon falls to 1-2 and will head south to face the Lethbridge Pronghorns on Saturday.
-UC-
