LETHBRIDGE – In a match-up of the conference's second-ranked offensive team versus the top defensive team it was the latter that poured it on offensively, especially in the opening quarter as the CIS-third ranked Victoria Vikes men's basketball team handily beat the Lethbridge Pronghorns 84-57.

BOX SCORE
 
Senior Terrell Evans led the Vikes with 20 points and seven rebounds, while fellow fifth year Ryan Erikson impressed with 17 points. Big man Chris McLaughlin was a tough post to handle adding 15 points and nine boards.
 
Logan Reiter was the lone Pronghorn to reach double digits with 18 points and Brent Watkins and Brandon Brine contributed with nine and eight points, respectively.
 
Heading into tonight's game, the 'Horns were averaging 84.5 points per game but the Vikes stymied the 'Horns up-tempo offence to the second lowest total of the season. The 'Horns lowest season output took place last Friday night in Saskatoon in a 87-55 loss. 
 
Right out of the gate, the Vikes came out firing, pouring in 31 first quarter points on six three-pointers and shot 13 for 23 from the floor, while the 'Horns were held to only 13 points and were a dismal one for seven from behind the arc.
 
Continuing their torrid pace, the Vikes upped their lead to 24 points early in the second quarter before the 'Horns were finally able to get some defensive stops and cut back into the lead. Victoria closed the half strong, however, and led by 22 at the break. 
 
The Vikes onslaught was non-stop on this night, opening the second half on a 13-4 to extend their lead and end any thought of a dramatic Pronghorn comeback.
 
Sitting the majority of their starters from the mid-point of the third quarter, the Pronghorns did happen to win the battle of the benches in the fourth quarter, 15-11, but that was little consolation for the 'Horns who need to finish the season strong in order to lock down a home playoff date. 
 
On the night the Vikes were 49.3 per cent from the field and were a sparkling 11 for 26 from behind the arc in the win. For a team that relies on the three ball, the 'Horns struggled all game from behind the arc hitting on only four of 23 attempts.
 
The loss drops the 'Horns to 12-6 on the season and two games behind the Saskatchewan Huskies for second place in the Prairie Division with four games to play, while the Vikes improve to 16-2 and are firmly planted in top spot in the Pacific Division.
 
SCORING SUMMARY
LETH: 15-14-13-15 : 57
UVIC: 33-18-22-11 : 84
 
SCORING LEADERS
LETH: Logan Reiter (18), Brent Watkins (9), Brandon Brine (8)
UVIC: Terrell Evans (20), Ryan Erikson (17), Chris McLaughlin (15)