CALGARY – In a spirited battle on the hardwood, the University of Calgary Dinos defeated the MRU Cougars 88-82 during a Friday night Crowchild Classic from Kenyon Court.

Mount Royal started off hot, going ahead 8-0 early, but saw that advantage evaporate quickly. After the Dinos found their footing, the score's difference remained tight all the way down to the games final buzzer.

The Dinos went into the break up by seven at 52-45, with the Cougars energized to stay in the game.

The Kenyon Court faithful brought the noise for the marquee rivalry game, establishing a playoff-like vibe in the gym.

After being named U SPORTS Player of the Week for the final weekend of 2023, Keivonte Watts continued to shine for the Cougars, scoring a team-best 22 points while also snatching a game-high three steals.

Two former MRU players, Nate Petrone and Dylan Lutes made their return to Kenyon Court for the first time since transferring to the University of Calgary. Reminiscent of his days at Mount Royal, Petrone carried the load for his team, this time with the Dinos. The guard posted a game-high 32 points against his former team. Lutes found his rhythm from deep going 4-for-7 from beyond the arc for 20 points. 

Late in the game, Dinos big man Martynas Sabaliauskas slid past the MRU defence for the two handed jam. After a big stop, Dylan Lutes hit a huge corner three to extend the Calgary lead. 

Calgary locked down the Cougars for the final few possessions to seal with win and city bragging rights.

It was a milestone night for Cougars star guard Holt Tomie as he passed MRU alum Glen Yang (965 points) to become the regular season all-time leading scorer in Cougars men's basketball history. The fourth-year finished with 20 points and six rebounds.

The two gritty teams will rematch Saturday evening at 7 p.m., once again on the MRU campus.

-UC-