CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos men's basketball team will close out its four-game homestand this weekend as they play host to crosstown rival Mount Royal University Cougars, with tip-off set for 8 p.m. at the Jack Simpson Gym on Friday, followed by a 7 p.m. Saturday evening rematch.

HOMEGROWN IMPACT
The Dinos have gotten a big boost from first-year guard Manyang Tong of late. Tong made the most of increased playing the last time out, shooting 71 percent (10-14) and reaching double figures in the scoring column in both contests. Not only is the local product making an impact offensively, but Tong also recorded eight steals over the weekend, including five in the final game before the winter break.

SHOOT YOUR SHOT
The Dinos have shown they're not only not shy about hoisting it up from behind the arc so far this season, but they're also having quite a bit of success. Five different Dinos rank in the top 20 in Canada West in three-point shooting percentage, led by second-year marksman Jackson Bayles, who has netted at least one triple in all but one game thus far this season.

SWIPING LOOSE CHANGE
The Dinos ramped up their ball pressure the last time out with high returns. In the final weekend opener against Alberta, Calgary tallied a season-high 10 steals, only to surpass that total one day later with 12 on Saturday, including a season-high five from Tong.

SCOUTING REPORT
vs. Mount Royal Cougars
Game Info Friday, Jan. 14 at 8 p.m. & Saturday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. - Jack Simpson Gym
2021-2022 Record 4-2, 2nd in Canada West Central Division
Leading Scorer Nate Petrone (17.3 PPG).

NOTES

• 17-year veteran head coach Marc Dobell steered his basketball club back to a winning record (4-2) after taking down the Lethbridge Pronghorns in back-to-back matches before the winter break.ast weekend after taking down the Lethbridge Pronghorns in back-to-back matches.
• Nate Petrone was big for the Cougars in the first-semester finale, putting up a combined 38 points. Through the first six games of the season, he leads his team in six major categories including overall points (104), overall steals (11) and FGM/G (6).
• The Cougars have taken a conservative approach to the floor this season, with the majority of their points coming from within the key. In their last game, Mount Royal made 38 shot attempts in the paint compared to just 20 attempts beyond the arc. Nearly half of those shots from deep came in the fourth quarter.

UP NEXT
The Dinos head to Edmonton next to take on the Alberta Golden Bears on Jan. 21-22 at the Saville Community Sports Centre. Tune in live on Canada West.tv, presented by Co-op.