LETHBRIDGE – First-year head coach Jermaine Small picked up a win in his first game in charge of the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns as they edged the University of Calgary Dinos 78-77 in the return to Canada West hoops.

Following a strong first half where the 'Horns took a 38-32 lead into halftime, a determined effort in the second half by the Dinos saw the visitors go up by nine, 68-59, with six minutes to play. 

Moreau Darlington, a third-year transfer from Mount Royal, scored 10 of his 30 points in the final six minutes to push the Pronghorns to a victory. In addition to his 30 points, Darlington shot 8-of-12 from the field and 10-of-13 from the charity stripe, while Chad Oviatt chipped in 16 points.

The Dinos were led by 16 points from Noah Wharton, and 13 from Ezeoha Santiago.

Despite a low scoreline, the first quarter was characterized by frantic play from both teams. Pushing the ball up and down the floor in transition, the Dinos and 'Horns showed no signs of rust after being out of conference action for 20 months. Down 14-12 with a minute to play, the home side would make two spectacular plays to close the quarter. Following a three in transition from Darlington, Junior Mercy stole the ball in the Dinos front court for an easy two to close the quarter. 

The Dinos would fight back throughout the second quarter closing the Pronghorn lead to four points with 30 seconds remaining. Mercy closed out the quarter for the Pronghorns with a fantastic play. Following a strong drive to the basket and a beautiful up and under finish for two, Mercy earned a charge with four seconds left to send the 'Horns into the half up 38-32.

The Dinos would come out energized to start the second half. A 15-5 Calgary run in the opening five minutes of the quarter saw the home team's lead shrink to four. The Dinos would begin to heat up from beyond the arc, shooting fifty per cent, four-for-eight, from three in the third quarter. The Pronghorns would show resiliency throughout the frame, fighting back to finish the quarter down by six.

A resilient fourth-quarter effort would see the 'Horns emerge victorious, earning Small his first win.

The Pronghorns and Dinos will run it back on Saturday night, with tip-off set for 7 p.m. at the 1st Choice Savings Center. Catch all the action on www.canadawest.tv, presented by Co-op.