Trojans Win Gold in Tough Matchup

Matching up in the gold medal game of the ACAC Mens Basketball Championship were the Saint Mary's University Lightning and the SAIT Trojans. The Lightning were looking to stop the Trojans from capturing their sixth consecutive conference title.    

Both teams were ready to play under the bright lights to start the first quarter, but the veteran Trojans secured an early lead. Averie Armbrister brought the Lightning back within one with a minute to play. The Trojans answered back to finish the quarter ahead 23-19.

After trading a flurry of buckets to start the second the Trojans were finally able to put together a run to secure an 11-point advantage midway through the quarter. Brock Dewsbery ended a four-minute scoring drought for the Lightning who shot just 26% in the quarter. A Lightning three brought them back within nine, trailing 33-42 at halftime.

The Lightning kept up the pressure after the break cutting the deficit to four.  But as soon as they slowed down the Trojans answered growing their lead to a 15-point advantage after a jumper from Marcus Masters. Four straight free throws from St Mary's Caleb Jipp cut the lead down to 48-57 before the end of the third.

SAIT sprinted out of the gate to start the fourth going on an 8-0 run to take a 17-point advantage with 8:31 left to play. Over the course of the fourth, the Lightning chipped away at the lead. A three from Averie Armbrister brought them back within 6 with just 31 seconds to play. But SAIT converted on their free throws down the stretch to close out the win 84-74.

With the win, the Trojans secure their sixth consecutive conference title before they host the National Championships later in March.