WINNIPEG – Playing in their fourth consecutive road game against a fellow top-five program, the Dinos men's basketball team came up just short in a 95-85 loss at Winnipeg Saturday night from the Duckworth Centre.
The Dinos shot an impressive 57.6 percent (34-59) but were doomed by 23 turnovers, which Winnipeg converted into 26 points to finished with a weekend split.
The loss is just the second of the year for No. 2 Calgary, now moving to 8-2 on the year. Fourth-ranked Winnipeg improves to 8-2, as well, following the home win.
Nate Petrone was on fire early and finished with a season-high 32 points to lead all players.
Noah Wharton finished one shy of his season high with 18 points to go with six assists and three steals.
Dylan Lutes also had a big night, tallying 15 points, 11 rebounds and four assists – all season bests – for his first double-double of the year.
Alberto Gordo stuffed the stat sheet with 20 points on 7-11 shooting, eight assists, seven rebounds and three steals to lead the way for the Wesmen.
Calgary jumped out of the gates on fire in this one, pouring in 31 points in the opening quarter in large part to the tremendous play of Petrone and Lutes. Petrone was an unconscious 6-7 in the opening frame – including 3-4 from deep – for 16 first-quarter points, while Lutes added 10 points and six boards. As a team, the Dinos shot 12-19 (63.2%) through the first 10 minutes to build a 31-24 lead.
The Dinos continued their hot shooting into the second quarter, but saw Winnipeg claw back and tie things up at 50-all at the break.
The third quarter proved to be the difference in this one. Calgary was held to just 11 points in the frame, while the Wesmen stayed consistent with 19 to build a 69-61 lead.
Things were even in the fourth. The Dinos cut the deficit to five multiple times down the stretch, but couldn't get any closer in the close road loss.
Up next, this now starts a stretch of eight games that will all be played in Calgary, starting next weekend when Manitoba comes to campus for a pair of games inside the Jack Simpson Gym, starting Friday, Jan. 17.
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