Trojans down Keyano in instant classic
It was an instant-classic that went the distance and then some, but ultimately, it was a triumph of the Trojans in the second game of the Cora Breakfast and Lunch 2018 ACAC Championships in Lethbridge.
Mar. 1, 2018 - It was an instant-classic that went the distance and then some, but ultimately, it was a triumph of the Trojans in the second game of the Cora Breakfast and Lunch 2018 ACAC Championships in Lethbridge. The south division’s top seed, the SAIT Trojans (17-5) held off a massive comeback from the north division’s fourth-seeded Keyano Huskies (14-11) for an 82-81 overtime victory.
SAIT led by four points after one quarter, and broke it open in the second, opening on a 10-0 run. A buzzer-beating three by Charlie Conner (first year, Business Administration, Lacey, Wash.) gave SAIT a 38-24 lead at the half.
The Trojans again opened on a big run in the third, pushing their advantage to as many as 22 points, but the Huskies refused to go quietly. Back-to-back threes by Dante Dinter (first year, Business Administration, Tofield, Alta.) spurred an 11-2 Keyano run as they trailed 58-46 after three quarters. Eleven straight Huskies points closed the Fort McMurray side within one point of the Trojans. While SAIT briefly slowed the momentum, the Huskies stayed hot right until the end. Another three from Dinter, who had five in the game, and two clutch free throws from D’Aubre Doucette (third year, Business Administration, San Diego, Cali.) tied the game at 76 and forced overtime.
In a low-scoring extra frame, a three by Nicholas Molina (fourth year, Business Administration, Calgary) proved decisive as the Trojans hung on to advance to the ACAC semifinals. Murphy Beya (fourth year, New Media Production and Design, Ottawa) had a triple-double for the Trojans, with a game-high 22 points to go with 12 rebounds and 10 assists. North division rookie of the year Stefan Jovcic (first year, University Studies, Mississauga, Ont.) led Keyano with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
The Trojans advance to an ACAC semifinal as they will play NAIT at 6 p.m. on Friday. The Huskies move into the consolation bracket and will play Red Deer at 1 p.m. on Friday.
Players of the game:
Keyano Huskies - #21 Stefan Jovcic (19pts, 11reb)
SAIT Trojans - #9 Murphy Beya (22pts, 12reb, 10ast)
Photos of the game: Available on the Kodiaks official Flikr account.