MBB:Timberwolves hold on to down Cougars

Calgary — In a battle holding playoff implications, the University of Northern British Columbia beat the Mount Royal University Cougars 92-85 on the strength of 12 three-pointers from their team.

An offense-filled first frame was highlighted by four three pointers from the Timberwolves. Mount Royal had answers, as James Lefebvre, coming off a career weekend, put up six points and Manok Akwl added seven. Deng Awak drained a shot from downtown just before the end of the quarter to give Mount Royal a 25-20 lead after one.

The second quarter was similar to a three-point contest, as six different players knocked down treys. Rhys Elliott went off in the second quarter, knocking down five three pointers along with 15 points, helping push the Timberwolves ahead of the Cougars. Awak nailed another buzzer beater just before half to draw the Cougars within five as they trailed 49-44.

Franco Kouagnia, leading scorer for the Timberwolves, began to assert his physical dominance in the second half, putting up seven points. On the other side, Awak scored at a high rate, pouring in nine. The Cougars were able to trim the UNBC lead down to 66-64 heading into the final quarter.

UNBC got out to an early lead in the fourth and held on. Thanks to nine points from Nolan Hanson and Kouagnia, the Timberwolves were up 75-68 with just over five minutes left. Even nine from the Derek Wolf couldn’t pull Mount Royal much closer. Down six with just over a minute left, the Cougars had several great chances to draw closer with three-pointers, but couldn’t hit them. They were forced to intentionally foul, giving the Timberwolves chances to put the game away and win 92-85.

Kouagnia and Elliott led UNBC with 24 and 23 points, respectively, while Devin McMurtry hauled down a game-high 17 rebounds. Awak led Mount Royal with 23 points, while Akwl had 18 and Lefebvre had a double double (12 points, 11 rebounds).

The season series between the two teams will conclude tomorrow at 7:30 at Kenyon Court. With both teams now at 6-7 and a fight for the last playoff spot in the Explorer Divison, expect a heated, close battle.

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Jesse Olynyk
Sports Information Officer
250-960-6009