Trojans edge Rustlers in ACAC semi

CALGARY, ALTA., (March 11, 2022) - The drive for five is still alive.

The SAIT Trojans have a shot at winning their fifth straight Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) title after defeating the Lakeland College Rustlers 92-83 in their Final Four semifinal contest played Friday night inside SAIT's Campus Centre.

After a slow first quarter, the fourt-time defending champs took control of the game in the second quarter with a 27-15 run. Charlie Conner led the way for SAIT in the quarter, scoring 11 points, to put his team up 42-27 at halftime.

Lakeland did not go away, as they stormed back with a 33-point third quarter to cut into the lead. David Tshimanga and Artavis Holiday combined for 17 points in the quarter to quiet the SAIT crowd.

At 4:46 of the final quarter, the Rustlers' comeback was complete as they tied the game at 78 on a three-pointer by Isaiah Guerrier.

The Trojans quickly regained the lead on a pair of free throws by Matur Maluach and never looked back, doing just enough to hold Lakeland at bay.

Conner scored 28 points and added 10 rebounds in the win for SAIT, while Holiday paced Lakeland with 24. Both were named Players of the Game.