U of R Cougars advance to quarter-final in Canada West
The University of Regina Cougars men’s basketball team rode a strong start to a convincing victory over the visiting Thompson Rivers University Wolfpack on Thursday.
Regina jumped to a double-digit lead in the first quarter at the Centre for Kinesiology, Health and Sport en route to winning a Canada West play-in game, 93-68.
The victory propelled the Steve Burrows-coached Cougars into a best-of-three conference quarterfinal against the host University of Lethbridge Pronghorns. Games are set for Thursday, Friday and, if necessary, Saturday.
“I thought we played with good energy and focus early, which allowed us to get off to a quick start,” Burrows said.
“When we have had success this year, we have moved the ball offensively — which is usually reflected with balanced scoring.”
The Cougars had five players with double-digit points totals — Shaquille Harris (18), Samuel Hillis (16), Brandon Tull (16), Brian Ofori (13) and Alex Igual (12). Harris also led the team with eight rebounds.
“Defensively, we did a pretty good of paying attention to detail, which allowed us to get some stops, and then we got out in transition,” Burrows said.
“Thompson Rivers is a good team that is well-coached so I was happy for our guys that they found a way and get to move on to Lethbridge next weekend.”