WINNIPEG – The University of Calgary Dinos men's basketball team could not overcome a lengthy mid-game scoring drought, falling 66-59 to the Manitoba Bisons on Saturday night.

The victory improved Manitoba's record to 5-4, while Calgary fell to 5-5. 

Daren Watts finished with a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds for the Bisons, while Brandt Lenz drained 15 points, while adding six assists and five rebounds. Calgary was led by 20 points from Hayden Franson. 

Thirteen different players scored in the first quarter in a fast-paced affair. The Dinos led by four, with 14 of their 22 points coming in the paint. Eli Djordjevic and Martynas Sabaliauskas combined to go four-for-five from the field for eight points for Calgary, including a clean-up double from the former to end the quarter. 

Manitoba earned 12 of their 18 in the first off threes, demonstrating great ball movement against Calgary's zone defence. Watts led all Bisons with six points, including two threes, while Lenz and Samuel Jensen also cashed from distance. 

Manitoba out-scored Calgary 19-5 in the second, allowing just two buckets nearly eight minutes apart with rock-solid defence. Offensively, the hosts sunk four more triples thanks to exceptional facilitation. 

Watts had a mini five-point run including a corner three on a Tito Obasoto dish, while Ramogi Nyagudi sunk two threes, including one with a man in his face. 

Manitoba didn't allow a bucket for over nine minutes dating back to the end of the second, continuing the frustrate the visitors with their pressure as the third quarter progressed. 

The Herd led by as much as 22 at 47-27. 

Calgary responded late in the quarter with a 7-0 surge to cut the margin to 10. Franson scored four points during the run, and Kace Archuleta delivered a steal, assist and dunk to close the third.

A Franson three, followed by a Mrigenrda Dhaliwal triple cut Manitoba's lead to four with 30 seconds left, but the hosts demonstrated great composure late to secure the win. 

Manitoba was clutch in key moments earlier in the frame as well, with Lenz draining a three off the back board at the end of the shot clock to begin the frame, while also finding O'Hara for two off an in-bound with just one second on the shot clock. 

Manitoba concludes their first half schedule on Dec. 5 at home versus the crosstown rival Winnipeg Wesmen.

The Dinos return to action versus the Regina Cougars, Jan. 9-10 at home.