SASKATOON, Sask. — The Saskatchewan Huskies were unable to overcome a challenging fourth quarter on Saturday night (Nov. 7), falling 81-72 to the Manitoba Bisons at the Ron & Jane Graham Centre Court. The loss dropped Saskatchewan to 1-3 on the Canada West season, while Manitoba improved to 3-1.
After a tightly contested opening half, the Huskies trailed just 40-37 at the break despite Manitoba building a nine-point advantage midway through the second quarter. Saskatchewan responded behind a dominant performance from
Easton Thimm, who helped spark a rally that briefly put the Huskies in front during the third frame.
The Huskies seized a 50-48 lead with 5:19 remaining in the third quarter on a three-pointer from
Dylan Miller, capping an impressive comeback after trailing by as many as nine. Manitoba answered, however, with key baskets from Ramogi Nyagudi, Taven Vigilance, and Brandt Lenz to reclaim momentum and carry a 63-59 lead into the final period.
Saskatchewan remained within striking distance early in the fourth before Manitoba used a 12-2 run to open a 71-61 advantage with 7:38 remaining. The Huskies struggled offensively down the stretch, shooting just 6-for-19 in the quarter while committing six turnovers, allowing the Bisons to steadily pull away.
Mohamed Jabateh led the Huskies with 19 points on 9-for-17 shooting, while
Easton Thimm delivered another standout all-around effort with 18 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a block. Thimm was remarkably efficient, converting all seven of his field-goal attempts.
Dylan Miller added 10 points, while
Faisal Mahadhi contributed eight off the bench.
Manitoba was paced by Taven Vigilance, who scored a game-high 20 points, including three three-pointers. Ramogi Nyagudi added 15 points and eight rebounds, while Dante Dyck chipped in 10 points and two steals. The Bisons capitalized at the free-throw line, making 20 of 31 attempts compared to Saskatchewan's 6-of-13 performance.
Despite winning the rebounding battle 38-31, the Huskies were hurt by 19 turnovers and a 13-point fourth quarter as Manitoba secured the weekend split.
Saskatchewan returns to the PAC next weekend to host the Lethbridge Pronghorns.
