OTTAWA – Losing two starters early in the second quarter, a shorthanded University of Calgary Dinos squad held a lead heading into the fourth quarter before dropping a 71-61 decision to the Alberta Golden Bears in the U SPORTS consolation semifinal at Carleton University.
The loss ends the Dinos' season, a remarkable campaign that ended 18-2 in conference play and ranked in the top four in the nation all season – a significant accomplishment after losing four seniors from 2019 and having to overcome a tragedy.
"I think it has been the story of our year, with the number of things we have run into and all the adversity faced from last spring until now," said Dinos head coach
Dan Vanhooren. "We haven't had a healthy lineup all year, and they're used to it. Two key guys going down to injury in the game was tough to manage, but I'm certainly proud of their effort."
The Dinos lost point guard
Ezeoha Santiago to a leg injury early in the second quarter of this physical contest between two old rivals. Just moments later,
Mason Foreman left the game with a facial injury that left the Dinos shorthanded for the remainder of the contest.
The Dinos led 18-10 after one, 31-25 after two, and 50-44 after three. But despite another day at the office from U SPORTS player of the year
Brett Layton, who recorded another 22-point, 16-rebound outing, the Bears outscored the Dinos 27-11 in the fourth quarter to take the victory.
Max Eisele was named player of the game for the Dinos after his 13-point performance.
"Max has been playing great," said Vanhooren. "He's getting in the paint, he's been our leader, and he's such an intelligent young man. You see his defensive ability, but when he's contributing offensively he's a terrific player."
The Dinos head into the offseason following their fifth consecutive appearance at the national championship tournament, looking to build as they head to 2020-21.
"The experience of playing Carleton and understanding the level you need to play at is super valuable," said Vanhooren, who celebrated his 50th birthday Saturday. "We didn't have all the habits we needed this year – we had a number of guys who haven't been to this tournament, and so for all them to experience that and understand the level you need to be successful, I think it's a terrific asset heading into next season."
Nike Top Performers
Alberta: Tyus Jefferson
Calgary:
Max Eisele
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