Lethbridge Defeats Briercrest With Balanced Team Effort

Briercrest and Lethbridge hit the hardwood on Saturday with aspirations of building on lessons learned in their Friday night matchup. For the Clippers, the game afforded them another opportunity to break into the win column in the young 2022-23 season.

Lethbridge charged to a huge lead off the opening tip and received contributions from all their starters as they executed their offensive system with ease and efficiency. Despite good, open looks, the Clippers' could not find the range and trailed 29-4 after one period.

As Briercrest's offense warmed up, Lethbridge matched their output. Clippers' guard Riley Seaborn took a hard charge that seemed to catalyze a defensive frenzy and offensive burst for the home squad. Briercrest power forward Oroma Bongomin and big man Zach Martens led the charge, highlighted by Martens' breakaway dunk off a steal. Lethbridge continued to execute their plan, but the Clippers whittled into their advantage. As the half closed, Martens took Lethbridge big man Declan Peterson to the hoop, hit his free throws, and closed the visitors' edge to 47-32.

Out of the break Lethbridge's Paycen Blackmore assumed more of the scoring load before running into foul trouble, and teammate Filip Karanovic orchestrated the steady Kodiak attack inside. Both teams had contributions from all players.

Briercrest guard Riley Seaborn found his offensive touch for the home team in the fourth quarter, but the Kodiaks matched the Clippers' defense presence and scoring throughout and cruised to a 92-67 decision.

Treyton Barton hit for 14 points off the bench for Lethbridge and was rewarded with Player of the Game recognition. Briercrest forward Oroma Bongomin matched Barton's output to secure the honour. Lethbridge's dominance was evident as they had five players score in double digits.