Calgary, AB – The University of Victoria men's basketball team earned a weekend split with the Mount Royal Cougars on Saturday night, defeating the hosts 73-66 to improve to 5-1 in Canada West play.
The Vikes responded after Friday's setback with a strong all-around effort.
- Shadynn Smid provided an early spark for Victoria, throwing down three first-quarter dunks as the Vikes kept pace in a back-and-forth opening quarter.
- Mount Royal carried a narrow 22-21 lead into the second quarter before Victoria began to turn the tide defensively.
- Tyler Felt anchored the Vikes in the second frame, recording three consecutive blocks that helped shift momentum and disrupt the Cougars' offence.
- Despite a late Mount Royal three-pointer at the halftime buzzer, Victoria entered the break with a 38-36 advantage.
Victoria created separation in the second half.
- Cole Bekkering found his offensive rhythm after halftime and helped the Vikes build a lead as large as 13 points in the third quarter.
- Mount Royal responded with a late push to trim the deficit to six entering the fourth, but Victoria maintained control down the stretch.
- The Vikes outscored the Cougars 16-15 in the final quarter and held off a late comeback bid to secure the victory.
Bekkering led a balanced Victoria attack.
- Bekkering finished with a game-high 22 points on 8-of-11 shooting while adding five rebounds and two blocks.
- Shadynn Smid added 14 points and seven rebounds, while Cam Slaymaker also scored 14 points and pulled down eight rebounds.
- Ryan Gallagher chipped in 10 points as four Vikes finished in double figures.
Notables
- The Vikes are back in the win column, improving to 3-2 in the Canada West regular season. The Cougars fall to 3-3 with the loss.
The Vikes return to action on Nov. 19 when they travel to Kamloops to take on the Thompson Rivers WolfPack. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
