Conner reaches milestone as Trojans close out regular season

CALGARY, ALTA., (Feb. 18, 2023) - Charlie Conner made the most of his final Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) regular season game.

The fifth-year guard was honoured before the game for his five years as a SAIT Trojans men's basketball player, and then he received a standing ovation late in the contest when a made free throw gave him exactly 1,500 points for his ACAC career in his team's 96-67 victory over Northwestern Polytechnic Saturday afternoon at Edge School.

SAIT finishes the regular season with a 13-7 record. Northwestern Polytechnic finishes 7-12.

Conner needed 17 points in the game, and had 12 by half. After the break, Conner struggled to score, netting just two points in the third quarter.

Early in the fourth, he made a jump shot to cut the milestone goal to just one point. Soon after, Northwestern was called for a technical foul and Coach Marty Birky sent Conner to the line. He made the free throw and was pulled from the game shortly after - giving him exactly 1,500 for his ACAC career.

The Wolves seemed tired on Saturday, and that was to be expected following an emotional - and amazing - overtime win over St. Mary's University the night before.

SAIT took advantage and led 29-13 after one quarter. That lead was extended to 57-34 at half.

Wolves guard Seth Salamandyk had a terrific game for Northwestern, scoring 21 points on 5-of-10 shooting from beyond the three-point arc. Manny Illoka added 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Marcus Masters led the Trojans with 22 points, while teammate Marc-Denault Gabriel added 17 points and 12 rebounds.

Wyatt Haux, who was also honoured before the game for his four years at SAIT, and Conner were named co-Players of the Game for SAIT. Salamandyk earned the honour for NWP.

The teams will now settle into the post-season starting next week.