WATERLOO, Ont. - Fourth-year defensive back Ethan Laing secured a late, fourth-quarter interception in his own endzone while receiver Daniel Kubongo hauled in a touchdown with 4:53 left in the third to help lead Team West to a narrow 28-27 victory at the 2026 U SPORTS East-West bowl on Saturday, May 9 at Warrior Field in Waterloo. 

The Huskies were well represented among the top Canadian university football players on Saturday afternoon, with four USask student-athletes taking part in the all-star game made to showcase the best CFL draft eligible players. 

Finishing the game with 49 receiving yards on three catches Kubongo, who is set to enter his fourth season of eligibility, made his biggest impact late in the second when the Calgary product and 2025 Canada West All-Star hauled in one of three Team West majors. In what was a broken play, Windsor quarterback Nick Dimovski scrambled to his right before connecting with Kubongo who out-ran two Team East defenders to find the open space and retake the lead for Team West 24-23.

Kubongo would also showcase his returning ability, taking a first-half kickoff 35 yards up field while breaking several tackles along the way.

As Team West trailed 26-25 late in the fourth, another USask student-athlete came up with a game-changing play as Team East looked to extend their lead. On 1st-and-goal from the eight yardline, Alberta quarterback Trey Reider rolled out to his right before throwing a pass intended for Ottawa's Robin Collioud which came up short and into the arms of a waiting Ethan Laing. The turnover allowed Team West to march down the field and kick what would be a game-winning field goal to go up 28-26. 

Laing would finish the contest with 1.5 total tackles to along with his interception, earning the defensive back Defensive Player of the Game honours.

Defensive linemen Riece Kack and Reece McCormick also impressed at the all-star game, contributing to a Team West defensive effort which limited Team East to just 15 first downs and 342 total yards of offence while recording a pair of sacks. 

On the sidelines, Saskatchewan coaches Scott Flory and Mason Nyhus served as Team West Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator, leading the all-star team the win and 487 yards of offence. 

The victory marked the eighth win in the past nine editions of the all-star game for Team West, who continue to cut into Team East's 14-9 advantage all-time in the East-West Bowl. 

For more information on the 2026 East-West Bowl head to usports.ca. The official game stats can be found here.