SASKATOON – The University of Manitoba Bisons used a strong third quarter to solidify an 81-58 win over the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Saturday night on Ron & Jane Graham Court at the PAC.
Manitoba had a nine point, 36-25 lead at halftime. The Bisons didn't waste any time coming out of the break starting the second half on an 8-0 and at one point in the third quarter had a 25-point lead. They finished the third outscoring the Huskies 30-17. The Huskies held the Manitoba offence to just 16 points in the final 10 minutes but the lead was too large to overcome.
With the win, the Bisons start the Canada West men's basketball season 2-0 after the weekend sweep. Saskatchewan is 0-2. A night earlier, the Bisons won 86-78.
Bisons' James Wagner was impressive in the win recording a game-high 30 points, five rebounds and three assists. Two more Bisons' scored double digits including Rashawn Browne with 15 and Justus Alleyn with 11. Joey Nitychoruk led Manitoba on the boards with nine rebounds.
Lawrence Moore led the Huskies in the loss recording a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Emmanuel Akintunde added another 12 points for Saskatchewan, while Alex Unruh scored 10.
Saskatchewan shot 30% in the game, while Manitoba shot at 46%. The Bisons' also outrebounded the Huskies 44-33.
The Huskies enter a bye-weekend next week, while the Bisons return home to host the Regina Cougars.