MBB: Mount Royal outlasts a pesky Thompson Rivers to advance
March 3, 2022
LETHBRIDGE - In a battle between the #12 and #15 seeded teams in the Canada West playoffs, the Mount Royal University Cougars outlasted the Thompson Rivers University Wolfpack 80-75 to keep their tournament alive.
Despite leading by as many as 21 points, the Wolfpack would slowly chip away at the Mount Royal lead. Leading throughout the first thirty minutes, the Cougars would take a 70-57 lead into the fourth quarter.
However, Mount Royal's offense would be stymied in the first five minutes of the fourth quarter, with the Wolfpack limiting the Cougars to only two points. Inspired by their relentless play on defense, the TRU offense would find their rhythm scoring 13 points in that stretch to pull within two, 72-70.
It was Patrick Vandervelden however that would step up for the Cougars, recording consecutive putback dunks to put Mount Royal up 76-70. With both teams only scoring one basket in the ensuing four minutes, Mount Royal would find themselves leading 78-72 with 45 seconds to play.
Asher Mayan would connect on a corner three to make it a one possession game for the Wolfpack. Following an empty possession by the Cougars, the Wolfpack had a chance to tie the game but were ultimately unsuccessful.
"I am very proud of the effort by our boys in the last fifteen minutes," noted Wolfpack assistant coach Ted Murray. "We had a very bad start, but we kept plugging away. It has been a very long and difficult season, but as our guys left the floor, they said it was an effort we all could be proud of."
The Wolfpack were led by an outstanding 27-point, 10 rebound double-double performance from second year forward Asher Mayan. Brendan Sullivan and Thomas Olsen chipped in 17 and 14 points apiece.
The Cougars were led by Nate Petrone with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Patrick Vandervelden came just shy of a double-double with 14 points and 9 assists, while Holt Tomie and Dylan Lutes scored 13 and 10 points apiece.
"Playoff games are going to be tough," remarked second year Mount Royal guard Brock Dewsbery. "You have to keep fighting, and at the end got the win and get to move on to face UBC.
I think every game helps prepare us to gain more confidence as we play tougher and tougher opponents. There are always ups and downs and we will persevere to achieve our ultimate goal of making the final four."
The 12th seeded Cougars will advance to the second round of the knockout style tournament where they will face the number five seeded University of British Columbia Thunderbirds. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. MST. At the 1st Choice Savings Centre. Catch all the action on www.canadawest.tv, presented by Co-op.
Despite leading by as many as 21 points, the Wolfpack would slowly chip away at the Mount Royal lead. Leading throughout the first thirty minutes, the Cougars would take a 70-57 lead into the fourth quarter.
However, Mount Royal's offense would be stymied in the first five minutes of the fourth quarter, with the Wolfpack limiting the Cougars to only two points. Inspired by their relentless play on defense, the TRU offense would find their rhythm scoring 13 points in that stretch to pull within two, 72-70.
It was Patrick Vandervelden however that would step up for the Cougars, recording consecutive putback dunks to put Mount Royal up 76-70. With both teams only scoring one basket in the ensuing four minutes, Mount Royal would find themselves leading 78-72 with 45 seconds to play.
Asher Mayan would connect on a corner three to make it a one possession game for the Wolfpack. Following an empty possession by the Cougars, the Wolfpack had a chance to tie the game but were ultimately unsuccessful.
"I am very proud of the effort by our boys in the last fifteen minutes," noted Wolfpack assistant coach Ted Murray. "We had a very bad start, but we kept plugging away. It has been a very long and difficult season, but as our guys left the floor, they said it was an effort we all could be proud of."
The Wolfpack were led by an outstanding 27-point, 10 rebound double-double performance from second year forward Asher Mayan. Brendan Sullivan and Thomas Olsen chipped in 17 and 14 points apiece.
The Cougars were led by Nate Petrone with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Patrick Vandervelden came just shy of a double-double with 14 points and 9 assists, while Holt Tomie and Dylan Lutes scored 13 and 10 points apiece.
"Playoff games are going to be tough," remarked second year Mount Royal guard Brock Dewsbery. "You have to keep fighting, and at the end got the win and get to move on to face UBC.
I think every game helps prepare us to gain more confidence as we play tougher and tougher opponents. There are always ups and downs and we will persevere to achieve our ultimate goal of making the final four."
The 12th seeded Cougars will advance to the second round of the knockout style tournament where they will face the number five seeded University of British Columbia Thunderbirds. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. MST. At the 1st Choice Savings Centre. Catch all the action on www.canadawest.tv, presented by Co-op.