BOX SCORE CALGARY – A second-half surge wasn't enough as the University of Calgary Dinos fell in the dying seconds 77-74 to the Mount Royal Cougars Saturday night at MRU's Kenyon Court.

After clawing back from an eight-point deficit in the last six minutes of the contest, Calgary tied it up 74-74 with a steal and a fast-break lay-up by Josh Turner and under a minute to go. The Dinos got a defensive stop on the ensuing possession but couldn't score themselves, then proceeded to give up an offensive rebound followed by the game-winning three by Awet Abraha in the final moments.

Abraha led the way for the Cougars scoring 21 points and Deng Awak and MAngk Akwl scored 15. Philip Barndt and Josh Turner notched 19 and 15 points, respectively, for the Dinos.   

The game began with a quick tempo as both teams tried to run the floor. After limited success the Cougars and the Dinos decided it was time to stop and set up for better looks. The first quarter blew by and the Cougars trailed by just one, 18-17. In the second quarter the chess match had really taken shape as neither team wanted to concede an inch. The game remained tied right up until the last eight seconds when Awet Abraha went to work. He chased down a long bomb pass and laid it in for an easy two. He then stole the inbounds pass and was fouled in the process. He hit both foul shots and the Cougars went into the break with the momentum and a 36-32 lead.

Calgary tied the game early in the half. That woke the Cougars as they went off for eleven straight points to take a 50-39 lead and forced Calgary to take a timeout. The Dinos went cold from the field and could not buy a bucket for most of the third and the Cougars led 56-48. Calgary clawed back into the game as it was Mount Royal's turn to run cold. The Dinos fought all the way back to 74-74. Both teams traded misses then Awet Abraha came off a screen and buried a screen a three with six seconds left on the clock. The Dinos had the final shot but it clanked the rim and the Cougars took the game 77-74.

Mount Royal now squares their record at 6-6 with the win. The Dinos fall to 5-7 after the loss.   

Calgary will host Saskatchewan for two games next weekend starting on Friday night.

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