LETHBRIDGE – Looking to finish the 2022 portion of their season with a series sweep, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns earned their third win of the season, escaping with an 83-76 victory against the University of Calgary Dinos.

Heading into the final quarter with a 17-point lead, 64-47, the Pronghorns found themselves quickly overwhelmed by a 16-0 Dinos run. Lethbridge was unable to find any rhythm offensively, being held without a made basket until the 5:30 mark of the quarter. Kymani Pollard finally broke the cold spell, hitting a contested step back jumper to end the lengthy Dinos run.

While the Pronghorns struggled from the field, the Dinos struggled from the free throw line, missing seven of their 17 attempts in the quarter.

With the 'Horns holding on to a one-point lead, 68-67, Pollard once again rose to the occasion, draining a three with 3:30 remaining to extend the Lethbridge lead to four. Not to be outmatched, third-year Dinos guard Jackson Bayles responded with a deep three with the shot clock hitting zero to cut the lead to 71-70 with 3:13 left, only to see Pollard go right back down the floor and knock down another three to restore a four-point advantage.

After the teams continued to trade baskets, a Jeff Rodehutskors block with 37 seconds remaining ultimately put the Pronghorns in a position to close out the game.

The Pronghorns were led by 24 points, three rebounds, and three assists from Pollard. Shae Gibb and Angelo Mbituyimana both chipped in 10 points, while every 'Horns player who entered the game scored a basket. 

The Dinos were led by an impressive 19-point, nine-rebound performance from Spencer Roberts in his first game back in nearly a month. Noah Wharton added 20 points, while Ezeoha Santiago scored 10. 

It was a first quarter to remember for the 'Horns, as the Pronghorns looked comfortable moving the ball on offense. Eight Pronghorn players scored a field goal in the quarter, with the team shooting an exceptional 75 percent from the field (9 of 12). It was not just a full team effort on offense, but also defensively and on the glass. Seven Pronghorn players secured a rebound, while the 'Horns held the Dinos to only four baskets. Lethbridge took a 25-14 lead into the second quarter. 

The second quarter saw the Dinos offense heat up, using an early ten-point run to trim the Pronghorn lead to two at 34-32. Center Spencer Roberts led the charge, with his presence in the paint opening opportunities for Calgary shooters on the wings. The 'Horns responded thanks to composed guard play, entering the half up seven, 43-36. 

With the first quarter showcasing the Pronghorns' offensive prowess, the third quarter allowed the 'Horns to lock in defensively. The consistent activity and persistence of the Pronghorns defense forced nine Dinos turnovers and lead to eight trips to the free throw line. The 'Horns would do a great job pushing the ball up the floor in transition, scoring 10 fast break points in the quarter.

Despite entering the fourth quarter with a 64-47 lead, the Dinos would nearly complete the comeback, but it was not meant to be as the 'Horns would hang on for the victory.

The Pronghorns and Dinos will face off again Saturday night, with tipoff set for 7 p.m. at the 1st Choice Savings Center in Lethbridge. 

-UC-