Box Score Cougars complete the sweep and move into a playoff spot
Justin McCaffrey, Mount Royal Cougars Sports Information
CALGARY, AB – The Mount Royal Cougars moved into a tie for the final playoff spot after defeating the UBC Okanagan Heat 79-57on Saturday night at Kenyon Court. Mitch Goodwin led all scorers with 22 points. Brett Layton led the Cougars with 19 points on the evening.
The Cougars ran out to a 7-0 start before the Heat even had a quality possession in the Cougars half court. The first quarter was eerily reminiscent of yesterday's matchup with the Cougars heavily outplaying the Heat and leading 20-12.
The Cougars and Heat went ice cold to open the second quarter. Five minutes in, Mount Royal had only five points to the Heat's two. A big block by Tethloach Thokbuom and then a deep three-pointer from Derek Wolf swung the momentum towards the Cougars, forcing UBC Okanagan to take a timeout.
Mount Royal took a 42-22 lead into the locker room at the half.
The Heat tried to get back in the game via the three-pointer but their shooting was off the mark early in the third. Derek Wolf continued his superb play, driving the lane and completing a beautiful three-point play at the foul line. Wolf was also dangerous from beyond the arc as he nailed a deep three to extend the Cougars' lead to 25 points.
Mount Royal took a commanding 64-36 lead into the fourth quarter. UBC Okanagan could not figure how to stop
Brett Layton inside. The standout freshman had his way the Heat's defence all night. When Layton was doubled, he managed to get the ball to the veteran
James Lefebvre who managed 17 points in the contest.
For the second straight night the Cougars were able to give their bench players lots of late game minutes and run out the clock. Mount Royal completed the sweep, defeating the Heat 79-57.
The Cougars improve their record to 5-7 and are now in a three-way tie for the third and final playoff spot with UBC Okanagan and MacEwan. With the loss the Heat fall to 5-7 on the year.
UBC Okanagan will remain on the road when they head north to Prince George on Friday night for a date with UNBC.
Mount Royal will be in tough next weekend as they will match up with the first place TRU Wolfpack in Kamloops.
