Prince George, BC - Manok Akwl led the Cougars to a 77-69 win over the Timberwolves Saturday night, splitting the weekend. The Cougars move to 3-3 on the season while the Timberwolves fall to 1-5.

Manok Akwl (Calgary, AB) led scoring with 22 points, while adding seven assists and five rebounds, Den Awak (Brooks, AB) was the only other Cougars player in double digits with 18 points.

The Timberwolves were led by fifth year forward Franco Kouagnia (Yaounde, CMR). Kouagnia put up 18 points, five boards, and two blocks. Micheal Smith (Brampton, ON) put up 15 points for the Twolves while Devin McMurtry (Surrey, BC) added 10 boards.

After yesterdays victory the Timberwolves were hungry for more. A quick bucket from transfer guard Michael Smith (Brampton, ON) put UNBC on the board first but the Cougars were quick to answer. Both teams traded possessions keeping the game tight. After 10 minutes and six lead changes the Timberwolves led by only one point, 16-15. The Cougars shut down the Timberwolves in the second quarter, outscoring the Timberwolves 17-9. Late in the second Akwl hit two back-to-back threes to give the Cougars a 30-25 lead. At half-time the Cougars led the Timberwolves 32-25, a lead they would not let go of.

The Timberwolves came back strong in the second half. A fast break dunk by Devin McMurtry (Surrey, BC) got the crowd back into the game and sparked new life into the Timberwolves. The Timberwolves soon went on a 10 point run, capped off by a Vaggelis Loukas (Athens, GRE) three point play. But the Cougars continued to pressure the Timberwolves and refused to relinquish their lead.

It was a battle until the dying seconds of the fourth quarter. With only 45 seconds remaining, the Timberwolves trailed by only three points. A block call put Awak on the line for two shots, sinking both Awak gave his team a five point lead, one in which they would carry until the final whistle. In the end the Cougars came out with a 77-69 win over the Timberwolves.

The Mount Royal Cougars return home next weekend, hosting the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack.

The Timberwolves will play their final weekend before the break at home when the host the UBC Okanagan Heat November 28-29.