Clippers Conquer Kings With Dominant Team Effort

By Jeff Misener

The Briercrest Clippers (8-7) entertained the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings (11-5) in ACAC men's basketball action Friday evening. After overcoming a sluggish start, the Clippers found their rhythm and rolled to a 93-80 victory.

Briercrest's Oroma Bongomin opened the proceedings with a pair of layups and Zach Martens converted off an offensive board. Red Deer big man José Mauro Barrozo found joy at the rim as did Clippers' rookies Carter Waind and Asher Elstad. A long three from Kings' Keyon Wisdom and confident layup by Tyrique Walters were answered by Waind and Riley Seaborn.

Red Deer attacked the rim but found it well defended by the hosts. Bernardo Moller's clean triple was cancelled by Waind and Bongomin. An alley-oop slam and bank shot for Red Deer's Kyle Hussein Abdi interrupted a long stretch of ragged play plagued both teams. Waind then set the table for a wide open Elstad triple and a Bongomin dunk. Seaborn's corner three and Waind's offensive rebound and score pushed Briercrest ahead at the half.

Out of the break, Bongomin stepped up to deliver on a series of slashing drives. A pure three from Kings' Deandre Rowe and strong inside hoop from Barrozo brought swift replies from Bongomin and Francis Dogani. Despite Barrozo's slam and Efe Iyamu's fast break play, Briercrest stretched their advantage through the efforts of Bongomin and Seaborn. 

Waind's steal and driving basket served as the catalyst for more work beyond the arc from Seaborn. A brilliant rejection at the rim by Bongomin elevated the crowd noise. Clipper floor general Corbin Gengenbach found Waind and Banilevic streaking to the hoop before converting his own slashing drive, leading the Clippers to a triumphant win.

Player of the Game for the visiting Red Deer Polytechnic Kings was José Mauro Barrozo on the strength of 21 points and nine rebounds. The Clippers were led by Oroma Bongomin, who poured in 25 points and secured nine boards.