The Keyano Huskies Men's Basketball team used a strong first quarter to charge ahead and then maintained a comfortable lead in an 88-54 victory against the St. Mary's University Lightning Friday in Fort McMurray, Alta.
"Considering the circumstances with the late start, it's no excuse for us," Head Coach Jeremy Wielenga said. "I thought we came out early with a lot of emotion and energy and I really think that helped us get a big jump in the first quarter."
After a 28-7 first quarter in favour of the home side, the Huskies commanded a 46-20 lead at the half. Adding six points to their advantage in the third, the Huskies closed out the game with a 19-17 fourth quarter to win by 34 on the day.
"I don't think we shot the ball very well to be honest," Wielenga continued. "But I think we did a really good job on the glass and creating second-chance opportunities through our offensive rebounds and our defence."
The difference was felt in the rebounding game with a 57-28 advantage for the Huskies. Taliik Ross posted 15 points and led the team with 17 rebounds for the double-double. Sean-Michael Clancey joined him with 21 points and 12 rebounds.
Keenen Caribou posted 13 rebounds along with four blocks, two assists, two steals, and a pair of points.
Shooting 40.2 per cent from the field, the Huskies knocked down nine three-point shots. They sank nine of 13 free throw opportunities. From the visiting side, the Lightning shot 34.5 per cent from the field, making seven three-point shots. They hit seven of 16 free-throw attempts.
Other Huskies reaching double-digit points on the day included DJ Haynes, who had 19 points, and 10 from Jusci Thompson off the bench.
Caleb Jipp led the visiting Lightning with 18 points while Averie Armbrister's 11 points made him the only other visitor in double digits. Clancey and Coal Clark earned Player of the Game honours for their respective sides.
At 5-0, the Huskies hold an early advantage on the rest of the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference's (ACAC) North Division, though the lead is a slim two points over the number two team, the NAIT Ooks.
Saturday, the Huskies will challenge the 1-2 SAIT Trojans at the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre at 3:00 p.m. in a rematch of the 2022 ACAC Men's Basketball Championship game. Admission is free for all fans in attendance.
