CALGARY – The focus shifts from one Edmonton-based team to another this week, as the University of Calgary Dinos men's basketball team hosts the MacEwan University Griffins. Following the postponement of last week's series with Alberta, the 5-3 Dinos will now turn their attention to the 0-8 Griffins. The Dinos will be playing in just their third game in the past 10 weeks. 

Friday's tip from inside the Jack Simpson Gym is scheduled for 8 p.m., while Saturday's contest is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Both games will be streamed live on Canada West TV, presented by Co-op.

RUN, DON'T WALK
The Dinos opened their winter semester with the 88-66, 99-90 sweep of the Mount Royal Cougars. While the offensive fireworks generated countless highlights, it was the Dinos transition game that contributed to second-half runs in both contests to open the game up.

STEPPING IN
With several players unavailable last time out against Mount Royal, the Dinos had some key players fill in for their teammates. Aiden Smith saw his first two starts of the season and responded in a big way, dropping a season-high 20 points in both weekend wins, not to mention a career-high nine rebounds in the finale. Both Manyang Tong and Jeffrey Tezo also logged season highs in minutes and responded with season highs in points. Even the coaching staff stepped up nicely, as lead assistant Kyle Landry led the Dinos on the weekend with head coach Dan Vanhooren out.

TAKING CARE OF THE BALL
Turnovers have been early issues for both Calgary and MacEwan, as they find themselves in the bottom four in Canada West in turnovers per game. For the upstart Griffins, limiting self-inflicted mistakes is critical to hang around in the game, for the Dinos ball security will be paramount as they go deeper into their season. 

SCOUTING REPORT
vs MacEwan Griffins
Game Info Friday, Jan 28 at 8 p.m. & Saturday, Jan 29 at 7 p.m. – Jack Simpson Gym 
2021-22 Record 0-8, 4th in Canada West Central Division

NOTES:

• Calgary will look to extend its winning streak against the Griffins this weekend, currently holding a 6-0 mark against them in regular-season contests.
• MacEwan first year Damilola Osuma returns to his hometown and will look to maintain his rhythm. The forward scored a season-high 18 points in 21 minutes in their last game against the Golden Bears.
• While they have struggled on the defensive end this year, the Griffins two best defensive outings came against the Dinos earlier this season. 

UP NEXT
Calgary will kick off the month of February with a weekend Crowchild Classic showdown with Mount Royal, Feb. 4-5, at Kenyon Court.