CALGARY – Looking more relaxed and focused, the University of Calgary Dinos found success yet again on the back end of a weekend series, limiting their mistakes in a 92-77 victory over the Brandon Bobcats.
After 28 turnovers did the Dinos in on Friday, Calgary cut their sloppy play by more than half, giving up only 12 on Friday. The Dinos also won the battle at the free-throw line, converting 25 foul shots to Brandon's 11, which may have ultimately proved the difference in an otherwise even game.
The two teams were strikingly similar in most other statistical categories, where their turnover, rebounding and field goal margins separated by only two at the most. Calgary did edge their opponents slightly in three-point percentage, with Brandon converting only on 24% of their opportunities.
First year Dino but fourth year guard Keenan Milburn had a gritty game for his squad, scoring 23 hard-earned points mostly by attacking the basket from the off-guard position. The former SAIT Trojan added six rebounds as well in a solid performance that Head Coach Dan Vanhooren recognized after the game.
“We were able to put Keenan in a position that is much more in his comfort zone, and we all saw what type of player he can be when that happens,” explained Vanhooren. “He's been playing at the point for us because of some injuries and has done pretty well with that, but we recruited him for his off-guard abilities, which he showed off today.”
Tyler Fidler was his normal dominant self, getting yet another eye-popping double-double with 24 points and 17 rebounds. Along with five assists, Fidler had perhaps the play of the game as well, rousing the crowd with a commanding dunk in traffic near the end of the first half.
The Dinos got good performances from Andrew McGuinness, whose four threes made up his total points, and Trevor Debolt, whose hustle and aggressive play stood out in limited minutes.
O'Brian Wallace led his Bobcats (4-4) with 29 points and five rebounds in 26 minutes of action, while Kyle Vince and James Elias each added 18 and 10 points respectively as well. The Bobcats were helped in the rebounding department by their two big men, Kyrie Coleman and Isaiah James, who combined for 20.
For Calgary (4-4), the victory marks their fourth consecutive weekend split of 2010, to which Vanhooren attributes to being more relaxed on Saturdays.
“We come in frozen on Fridays too often,” said Vanhooren. “On Fridays we're afraid to make mistakes, but on Saturdays we play more loose and aggressive. It's the difference between running a set play and just playing. When we just go out and play, we are much more successful.”
Calgary will finish the first half of their season on the road in Regina, while Brandon will do the same, but in Winnipeg to face the Manitoba Bisons.
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