Clippers Cruise Against Vikings

By Jeff Misener

In the only meeting of the cross division opponents this season, the Briercrest Clippers hosted the University of Alberta-Augustana Vikings in ACAC men's basketball action. The Clippers received offense from each player who set foot on the court in securing a 98-70 victory.

Clippers' big man Zach Martens was full of fire from the outset, slamming home his first three baskets. The Clippers' defense stymied efforts by the Vikings to get inside, leading to a steal and score by Brolin Simes. Jude Shepherd-Hills made a pair of tough shots, and threes from Owen Shepherd-Hills and Francis Dogani stretched the Clipper lead.

The Vikings doubled down on their defensive commitments and offensive sets and were rewarded with scoring from Jon Mueller and Brett Marlow. Consecutive hoops from Jude Shepherd-Hills and Asher Elstad were answered by Mueller's threes. A thunderous slam over a defender by Briercrest forward Oroma Bongomin just before the break electrified the home crowd. 

The offenses ran at full throttle to open the second half as both teams attacked the rim, and when the dust had settled on the scoring frenzy, the Clippers had increased their advantage. Elstad and Dogani traded triples with UAA's Jonathan Gomes as the third quarter ended. 

Colby Anderson went to the rim for the visitor's scores, but Briercrest's Corbin Gengenbach replied with a twisting floater and a fast break layup before delivering a superb bounce pass to a cutting Bongomin for a slam. A basket from Clippers' newcomer Brandon Houndonougbo closed the game. 

Player of the Game for the Clippers was forward Jude Shepherd-Hills, who notched 18 points, 15 boards, and five assists. Oroma Bongomin chipped in 17 points and Corbin Gengenbach added 15 and six dimes. Vikings' big man Jack Smilski recorded seven points and 15 rebounds to earn the award, while teammates Max Sauter and Jon Mueller poured in 15 apiece.