EDMONTON - A revitalized MacEwan University Griffins team knocked off the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves 85-77 in their first game back from the winter break on Friday evening at City Center Gymnasium. The Griffins displayed a high level of energy from the opening tip off to the final whistle to secure the victory.
 
It was a battle of the big men from the beginning as Ryan May lead the way for the Griffins with nine points, while Franco Kouagnia answered back with eight of his own. A three-pointer at the buzzer by David Grange earned the Griffins a 23-16 lead at the end of the first.
 
After May and Kouagnia dominated down low in the first quarter, both teams did a better job limiting their opportunities as May was only able to pick up three points while Kouagnia was shutout. For the Griffins, Keith Gerdes picked up the slack draining seven points to join May in double digits heading into the half.
 
While the Twolves used a more balanced attack, lead by a clutch pair of three-pointers by Marcus MacKay, the Griffins neutralized Kouagnia and were able to maintain their seven point lead as the teams headed into halftime with the score 44-37.
 
Coming out of the half the Twolves battled back and cut the deficit by continuing to utilize a balanced attack. The Twolves clamped down defensively and held the Griffins to just 30 per cent shooting from the field. As a result the home team lead was reduced to 57-55 heading into the final quarter.
 
A 11-4 run in the middle of the fourth quarter allowed the Griffins to regain their advantage. They were also perfect from the free throw line in the game’s final minutes to secure the victory.
 
May finished with 22 points and 12 rebounds, both game-highs. His performance on both sides of the ball earned him player of the game honours for the Griffins. Rhys Elliott was one of three Timberwolves players to score 15 points and was named player of the game.
 
Both teams will meet again Saturday evening at 8:00 p.m. for the rematch at City Center Gymnasium.