Kodiaks end weekend with thrilling win

By Lethbridge Herald on February 3, 2025.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks men’s basketball team got an important split with the nationally ranked St. Mary’s University over the weekend.

After being soundly defeated 100-64 on home court on Friday, the Kodiaks won a thriller on Saturday 78-76 to end the weekend with a win.

Lethbridge trailed the Lightning 35-28 at half-time on Saturday.

“The Kodiaks were hanging around due to their defensive efforts and the offensive efforts of Jackson Wright,” said Ryan Heggie, Kodiaks head coach, in a text to the Herald.

Wright drained 10 points going into half time and in doing so established an inside presence for Lethbridge.

“We were struggling from perimeter so this was a key for us,” said Heggie.

The second half became about who wanted the games more.

Lethbridge was up 65-60 in the fourth quarter before St. Mary’s took the lead with a 14-0 run.

“The fourth quarter was one the fans will remember as both teams put their best foot forward,” said Heggie.

The Kodiaks were down 72-60 with 6:30 left in the game and mounted a comeback while only allowing St. Mary’s to score four points in that span.

Levi Balderson and Ryland Adrian stepped up and went to work to help the Kodiaks climb back up in the game and get the win.

Balderson hit a three pointer to take the lead with 1:24 to go and Wright hit a late free-throw to solidify the win.

“Balderson had 10 points in the fourth and Adrian was a presence on the boards and rim protection,” said Heggie.

The victory was a complete turnaround from Friday’s loss.

 “We didn’t play to our identity Friday night and the team wasn’t pleased with that,” commented Heggie.

“We know who we are and have to be that team to be successful in this league. (On) Saturday, we got back to who we are”.

Balderson led the way for the Kodiaks with 20 points, followed by Wright with 15 points on Saturday.

With the split, the Kodiak men’s team improved to 11-6 on the season

The Kodiak women’s team dropped both of their games to St. Mary’s by scores of 71-49 and 87-44 respectively to drop their record to 6-11.

Both teams play a home-and-home with Ambrose University  this weekend.