MBB| Kodiaks Come Short on Comeback and Fall to SAIT Trojans in 2023 Opener

Both the Kodiaks and Trojans start their 2023 journey with a losing streak and looked to bounce back and start the new year off with a win as they battled it out at the Val Matteotti

The Trojans got an early jump on the Kodiaks after miscommunication and some tough bounces set them back but were able to bounce back throughout the quarter to keep the game within only a few points in the closing minutes before the Trojans were able to stretch their lead to give them the upper hand after the 1^st quarter with a 19-14 lead.

 The Kodiaks gained some momentum early in the 2^nd quarter which allowed them to gradually get back in the game and jump ahead of the trojans in the final minute of the half thanks to Kodiaks Paycen Blackmore and Mason Hoffman each picking up 9 points in the quarter before a buzz beater from Trojans Filip Ivanovic gave them the 44-41 edge over the Kodiaks at the half.

The Trojans carried their buzzer-beater momentum into the 3^rd quarter where it did not take long for SAIT to get their wheels turning and build a strong lead on the Kodiaks leaving them behind and looking for ways to bounce back and get back in the game. Trojans Marcus Masters picked up 12 points in the quarter keeping their lead large headed into the 4^th by a score of 70-59.

The Kodiaks fought back and forth with the Trojans trying to get a jump on them to try and turn the game around, the Kodiaks made a late push to try and get back in the game. Despite coming close, the Kodiaks were unable to complete the comeback and fell short to the Trojans 81-86.

Player of The Game:

Trojans|#1 Charlie Conner

Kodiaks|#12 Paycen Blackmore