The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns are on a four-game winning streak, and it feels good.
At least that was the take of ’Horns coach Donna Branch, who watched her team dismantle the struggling Brandon Bobcats 81-45 in Brandon Saturday.
And, while the competition wasn’t up to snuff, Branch said her team was playing well and hitting open shots — something that hasn’t happened at times in this 6-12 season.
“They played very, very well tonight, no matter the competition,” said Branch. “They pressed well, executed on offence and hit shots. We’re finally shooting better from the three-point line. It was a very encouraging game today, they really played well.”
Ali Cameron led the Pronghorns with 27 points despite a nasty illness which limited her minutes to just 14. But when you are 11-of-13 from the field, including 4-for-5 from beyond the three-point arc, it’s best to keep you healthy.
“She battled, because she is very sick,” said Branch. “But, it didn’t seem to affect her much. In fact, when you look at her numbers, maybe being sick was good for her. But she really battled through it, and I think her reward for that was to have a good game.”
Lauren Taal earned an unconventional double-double by scoring 15 points (which involved an encouraging 3-for-5 from three-point land) and 10 steals. Taal is averaging better than 10 steals per game over the past three games.
“The pressure did a great job of forcing steals, and the girls took advantage,” said Branch. That’s very important, because just getting the steal is only half the job. But they were focused. It was a good effort, especially in taking advantage of the opportunities created by pressure.”
Katlyn Olsen scored 13 points and added six rebounds and eight assists. Kim Veldman scored just two points but had 11 rebounds (the Pronghorns out-rebounded Brandon by that margin) and only shot the ball seven times.
In the men’s game, a handful of late Lethbridge turnovers gave the Brandon Bobcats enough of an opening to earn an 87-75 win over the Pronghorns.
It was the final game to be played in the Brandon University gym, and Lethbridge coach Dave Adams said atmosphere played its part.
“We made a couple of key turnovers late and they certainly used that emotion,” said Adams. “They was definitely a good atmosphere for them and I have to give the Bobcats credit for the way they came out and payed us, especially late in the game.”
The win drops the ’Horns to 9-9, still safely in third place in the Canada West Conference Prairie Division. Calgary and Manitoba trail at 8-10. Lethbridge hosts 5-12 Regina next weekend.
Daryl Cooper led the Pronghorns with 22 points and Dom Coward turned in another double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Derek Waldner also had 13 points, as the Pronghorns were once again able to score inside the paint. But with the game close in the fourth quarter, Brandon surged ahead.
“We took the lead by two late, but they out-executed us,” said Adams. “We needed to be a little better and they certainly were the better team down the stretch.”