CALGARY – A defensive clinic by the Winnipeg Wesmen saw them swarm the University of Calgary Dinos men's basketball team, earning a 78-61 victory Saturday night at the Jack Simpson Gym.

It was a statement win for Winnipeg, who completed a weekend sweep and improved to 5-2 on the season, while Calgary fell to 4-4.

"We just need to keep pushing no matter what the score is," said first-year Dinos forward Daniel Chijioke.

Friday's frenetic pace carried into Saturday, with both teams attacking the rim early. Dre Francis started 4-of-4 from the field for the Dinos, who fought back from an early double-digit deficit to lead by one at halftime.

At times, the best offence came from missed free throws, as both Calgary and Winnipeg attacked the offensive glass to create second-chance opportunities. A short whistle led to a combined 34 fouls, but Calgary struggled at the charity stripe, shooting under 40 per cent.

After trading runs through much of the first half, the Wesmen defence took control in the final 20 minutes. Winnipeg built an 11-0 run spanning the third and fourth quarters, capped by a key three-pointer from Elijah Mensah.

Calgary made a final comeback bid midway through the fourth with a 6-0 run to cut the deficit to single digits. Kato Jaro capped his 19-point performance with a dagger three-pointer that ended the Dinos' rally and secured the sweep for Winnipeg.

Francis finished as Calgary's top scorer with 15 points and seven rebounds.

Both teams return to Winnipeg next week. The Dinos face the Manitoba Bisons, while the Wesmen host the Alberta Golden Bears. All games take place Nov. 28-29.

-UC-