Timberwolves move to thrid in playoff race after sweep of Cougars
Calgary — Rhys Elliott led the Timberwolves to a weekend sweep against the Mount Royal Cougars on the weekend, moving them into third place and playoff position in the Explorer division. The Timberwolves defeated the Cougars 76-64 on Saturday night.
Both teams traded baskets early and often in the first quarter, but UNBC began to pull away in the second half behind Rhys Elliott’s seven points and numerous rebounds by forward Devin McMurtry. Franco Kougnia picked up two early fouls and would sit out for the rest of the first half. Holding for the last shot in the quarter, Elliott drained a huge three to put his team up 24-15.
UNBC held their lead for the majority of the second quarter, but Mount Royal was able to chip away and draw the score closer. Derek Wolf nailed his second trey of the game and had eight points at the half to lead the home squad. The Cougars fought back and trailed 35-33 at the half.
Elliott sparked after halftime and took over in the third frame, adding 12 more points to extend the Timberwolves lead up to 54-43. Fifth-year veteran Kyle Wilson had a strong quarter for Mount Royal, going 4-4 at the free throw line and adding six points.
The Cougars could not fight back in the fourth as the Timberwolves kept up their play. Big-man Devin McMurtry achieved a double-double, with 15 points and 16 rebounds, adding nine points in the final quarter highlighted by a massive dunk in the closing minutes. Oluwafemi Ogun added six points for Mount Royal, but the Cougars’ effort fell short as they lost 76-64.
Elliott once again led UNBC in scoring with 25 points, while McMurtry and Jeff Chu had 15 and 10 points, respectively. Wolf and Lefebrve tied for the MRU lead with 11, while Ogun chipped in 10. UNBC wins the season series 3-1 and now hold the third-place spot with a 7-7 record. Mount Royal falls to 6-8.
Next weekend, Mount Royal hosts the University of the Fraser Valley, who are boast a perfect 13-0 record on the year. While the Timberwolves look to extend their winning streak when they host the MacEwan University Griffins.
