CALGARY - The University of Calgary Dinos had a strong first quarter in their opening playoff game against their provincial rivals and it propelled them to an 89-76 victory Friday night.
The Dinos showed no rust after two weeks off against the Alberta Golden Bears, getting off to an 11-0 start in the first quarter, winning the frame 23-11.
"It was all about getting stops," Kapinga said. "Coach always talks defense and that defense wins championships, so we had to lock it up."
Calgary's strong play continued in the second half as they took a 42-26 lead going into the third.
But then Alberta started launching.
It started with all-star Mamadou Gueye hitting a jumper, followed by teammate Colby Jackson hitting a three and then Gueye hitting himself from downtown for an 8-0 run to start the quarter.
Kapinga answered with a three of his own, but Jackson would hit from long distance again and after two Gueye free throws, it was just a six-point game at 45-39.
But Kapinga responded again with five straight points and after a Gueye free throw, Cooper went on his own 5-0 run.
He capped it off with a dunk that brought the crowd to its feet, as the lead got back to the double-digits at 55-42 with four minutes left.
Alberta refused to go away however, hitting three more threes in the quarter and the team trailed 63-54 going into the final quarter.
Calgary got off to a hot start, but Alberta continued to chip away and a Gueye layup again made it just a six-point game at 75-69 at the 4:32 mark.
But that's as close as the team would get as Calgary sealed the game at the free-throw line for the 13-point win.
"The key to wins is always defense," Kapinga said looking forward to Game 2 Saturday night. "We have to get the boards and transition on them and that's why we got the W today."
Cooper ended the night with 27 points and nine rebounds, while Kapinga finished with 16 points and three steals.
The Golden Bears were led by Gueye, who had a double-double of 26 points and 11 rebounds, while point guard Jackson had 21 points, 18 coming from beyond the arc.
Game 2 is Saturday night at 7 p.m. and if Alberta ties the series, Game 3 will be Sunday at 2 p.m.
With a win, Calgary will host the Canada West Final Four next weekend to meet the Manitoba Bisons in the semi-final, who wrapped up their quarterfinal series with the Fraser Valley Cascades in Winnipeg Friday night.
