Horns win series with OT victory
The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns knew the Regina Cougars weren’t going to go away.
They didn’t, but after a little extra time, it’s the Horns who are bound for the Canada West men’s basketball semifinals following a 105-98 overtime win over the Cougars in Game 2 of the quarter-final series Friday night at the 1st Choice Savings Centre.
That win comes one night after a 115-68 win over the Cougars Thursday and for the sweep to send the Horns to their first Canada West semifinal in 18 years.
Still, they had to contend with Regina squad that rallied from some early deficits before pushing Lethbridge to overtime, an area with Horns have excelled in over the past month with two wins in extra time.
The Horns went on a 6-0 run to start the extra frame and never gave the lead back as Zac Overwater poured in 43 points and Kyle Peterson racked up a 30-point night, including 19 points in the first half. Overwater also had 16 rebounds. Still feeling the lingering affects of a hamstring injury, DeJon Burdeaux added 13 points.
“You get those kinds of contributions and this is what has made this team special this year,” said Pronghorns head coach Mike Hansen. “When you put it into historical context, this is our first semi since 2000 and our third 20-win season in a row. The things this group is doing is special and historical and we haven’t really taken time to step back and reflect on what a special group this.”
The Pronghorns were quick out of the gate with 8-0 and 10-3 leads before the Cougars closed within one to make it 24-23 after the first quarter.
The teams were tied 45-45 at halftime.
“We jumped out to that early lead and I leaned over to Rick and Alex and I said ‘We’re going to let up, here. They’re not going to roll over and die,’” said Hansen. “Brandon Tull, Alex Igual, they’ve got fifth-year veterans in that lineup, they’re not going to go down without a fight. They started battling back on us. We just made a lot of mental errors defensively. But all that said and done, when we needed to, guys just stepped up. Overwater was great, Peterson was fantastic.
“Burdeaux was dying today after a gutsy effort last night. He’s played through pain. We had foul trouble up and down the board.”
The Couars outscored the Horns 32-25 in the third quarter for a 77-70 lead after the third quarter, setting up the nailbiter finish.
The fourth-quarter comeback came down to defence, said Peterson.
“It was just settling down. We had some bench players come in and give us some solid minutes and it allowed the starters to rest and make that final stretch.”
For the third time in a little over a month, the Horns got it done in OT.
“The win tonight came back in September,” said Hansen. “All the work we did, every single time guys wanted to quit when we were running hills in training camp, I told them it was going to pay off when it counted most. I walked into that huddle (before) overtime and I told them ‘They’re gassed. They’re out of it. All we need is just a couple of stops and we’re going to get them and get run outs.’ I just implored them to get running again and that’s been our MO all year long. When we play at this pace, a lot of teams can’t stay with us in the fourth quarter. It’s our third overtime win in the last month. The team has no quit and fights, I’m just so proud of them.” Peterson shot 6-for-14 from beyond the arc and hit all eight of his free throws. He also had 12 assists, seven rebounds and two steals. The Cougars keying in on a few of his other teammates opened him up, said Peterson. “When you have Dejon and Zac and a lot of people keying on them, they’re able to find me for some open shots. Can’t complain.” Now the Pronghorns head to the final four. “Very exciting,” said Peterson. “The program hasn’t been there in a while. It’ll be good.” Igual and Shaquille Harris had 27 and 24 points, respectively for the Cougars. Igual also had the doubledouble with 13 rebounds. Tull added 15 points.