REBEKAH LESKO

Matt Forbes recoded a double-double to help the Huskies defeat the Bisons.

The Huskies men’s basketball team strengthened their record to 9-1 as part of a three-game winning streak.

The team posted two wins at home on Nov. 29 and 30 over the University of Manitoba Bisons. With the wins, the Dogs are tied for first place in the Canada West Prairie division with the Alberta Golden Bears.

The Huskies overtook the Bisons 100-86 on Friday at the University of Saskatchewan’s Physical Activity Complex.

The first frame was evenly matched, as both teams shot over 50 per cent in a back-and-forth competition with the Huskies taking a 25-22 advantage after the first 10 minutes.

The Huskies increased the tempo in the second quarter with tough defensive pressure while netting baskets. The push helped the Huskies outscore the Bisons 22-13 and secure a 47-35 lead heading into the break.

The Dogs continued their dominance in the second half, as Andrew Henry went 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. The Huskies banked 30 points in the third quarter, sitting comfortably at 77-62 going into the final frame.

Nothing would change in the fourth quarter as the Dogs took away any momentum the Bisons had left. The Huskies showed an unwaveringly strong offence as well as a solid defence in the win.

The Huskies shot exactly 50 per cent from the field, while the Bisons trailed closely behind with 49 per cent.

All five starting Huskies scored double digits; Stephon Lamar contributed 16 points, Ben Baker recorded 14, Andrew Henry had 12, Dadrian Collins chipped in 11 and Matt Forbes added another 20. Forbes also recorded a double-double with 13 rebounds. Evan Ostertag banked 18 points off the bench.

The following night the Huskies were equally remarkable, defeating Manitoba 91-60, marking the last conference game until after the December break.

The Huskies started the first quarter off strong and full of momentum, beginning with an 18-5 run. Finishing off the first ten minutes, the Dogs led 20-9, with Lamar contributing 11 of the first 20 points.

The second quarter resembled the first, as the Dogs shot an impressive 57 per cent in the first half alone. The home team secured a 19-point advantage, heading into halftime with a score of 45-26.

After the break Manitoba tried to regain lost ground and get back in the game, but the Huskies were dominating the court and led 74-45 after the third quarter.

The story repeated itself in the final frame as Saskatchewan finished 31 points ahead of Manitoba, with a final score of 91-60.

Huskies shot 46 per cent from the field and 39 per cent from beyond the arc, while the Bisons shot 37 nd 35 per cent from the same markers.

Lamar was the Huskies’ top scorer with 23 points, adding four assists and two steals. Baker grabbed 11 rebounds off the boards and scored eight points.

The Huskies head to Santa Barbara, California on Dec. 30 for the 38th Annual Tom Byron Classic Tournament.

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Photo: Jordan Dumba/Photo Editor