The Keyano Huskies Men’s Basketball team powered through a strong challenge from the host Ambrose University Lions Thursday at the 2023 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Men’s Basketball Championship in Calgary, Alta.
A 100-85 win within the realm of the Huskies’ usual wins this season, but didn’t go as according to plan. Instead of powering ahead, the Huskies had to grind out each quarter against an Ambrose side that refused to quit.
“I thought [Ambrose] played really well,” said Head Coach Jeremy Wielenga. “They pushed us. It made for an exciting game for the home crowd.”
Deep into the first quarter, the Lions did more than hang with the Huskies, holding a slight 13-12 lead. However, the top-seeded team in the North Division regained form to lead 23-19 after 10 minutes.
The host Lions did the same in the second quarter, which the Huskies had to play well to win a 26-24 frame and lead by six at the half.
“It’s a little bit of rust and getting adjusted to the atmosphere,” Wielenga continued. “You’ve got to give them credit. They played really well and they had a good, solid game plan.
“It just took us a bit longer to finally get going.”
As the Lions kept going in the third quarter, the Huskies continually had a response, winning the third quarter by four points and the final quarter by five.
The Huskies shot 50.7% (36-for-71) from the field, making nine three-point shots along the way. They also hit 19 of 24 free throws.
Five players in double-digits was led by Sean-Michael Clancey’s 24 points. Omeechi Williams added 19 while Keenen Caribou had 16 off the bench. Taliik Ross and DJ Haynes added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Huskies won a 42-31 edge in rebounds and had four fewer turnovers than the Lions.
The rest of the action on Day 1 in Calgary saw the South Division dominate with the Lethbridge College Kodiaks, St. Mary’s University Lightning, and SAIT Trojans all scoring wins against their North Division opponents.
Up next for the Huskies is a big test in the semi-finals against the Trojans in a rematch of the 2022 championship game.
“I think it’s going to be fun,” said Wielenga of his early thoughts on the rematch. “I think it’s the matchup that everybody wanted to see.
“It’s going to be an exciting game and only team is going to be left standing after it.”
The Huskies and Trojans will meet at 8:00 p.m.
