Cougars claw back to beat Horns

By Lethbridge Herald on November 22, 2024.

Herald Photo by Justin Seward U of L Pronghorns Courtney McKee attempts a pass in coverage against the Mount Royal University Cougars during Canada West women's basketball action on Friday night at 1st Choice Savings Centre.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s basketball team dropped a nail-biting 65-59 game to the Mount Royal University on Friday night at 1st Choice Savings Centre.

The Horns had a 51-46 lead going into the fourth quarter before the Cougars went on a 19-8 run to win the game.

“There’s probably about  six minutes I’d like to have back in that game,” said Dave Waknuk, Horns head coach, when asked about the fourth quarter.

“Even in those last six (minutes), we just couldn’t get shots to fall and then good teams will eventually make shots. They hit two big threes in that last stretch that opened the game up and we couldn’t comeback from it.”

Waknuk did like the shots the team had taken but felt they were rushed.

“ They’re a long, physical team,” said Waknuk.

“They spread us up in spots. So I think  some of  the shots we got were just not balanced (and) not in rhythm. They weren’t shots that I think we could shoot with confidence. We almost shot them quickly, just to kind of get them off.”

The 20 turnovers hurt the Horns in the game .

“Which is too many I think at this level,” said Waknuk.

“So we (have) got to clean that up a little bit and I think hopefully then the result will show in our scoring (tonight).”

Waknuk was happy with how the Horns defended ,rebounded and  how players found shots they liked.

Kyra Collier led the way  for the Horns with 19 points, going 6-for-8 at the free throw line, and making 50 per cent of her free throws.

Tobore Okome went 5-for-8 in the field goals made, while picking up eight rebounds  and scoring 11 points for the Horns.

U of L’s record dropped to 3-2 on the season with the loss.

Both teams will clash again tonight at the U of L  at 5 p.m.

The Horn men’s team still remain undefeated to start the season at 5-0 with an 88-67 win over Mount Royal in the later game.

Those teams will battle again at 7 p.m. tonight at U of L.