Box Score
The University of Manitoba Bisons men's basketball team defeated the MRU Cougars 81-60 after a big second half on Friday night at Kenyon Court.

It was all defence to start the game. Manitoba scored the game's first basket after over three minutes of scoreless play. After the scoring drought, the Cougars found their stride. 

Holt Tomie beat the 24-second buzzer, sinking a layup through contact. The bucket was followed by a big three from Cougars sharp-shooter Ijah Nelson. MRU secured the momentum in the first quarter.

After struggling early in the game, Bisons forward and reigning U SPORTS Rookie of the Year Simon Hildebrandt started to knock down a few shots to bring Manitoba back in the game. 

At the half, the game was very much up for grabs as the two gritty teams sat tied at 39.

In the third quarter, Manitoba took over. The Bisons scored 15 points unanswered to start the second half. The Cougars struggled to contain the dynamic Bison offence who were scoring at will. 

Into the final quarter, the Bisons kept rolling and Mount Royal could not stop them. 

Hildebrandt finished with a team-best 13 points, while Holt Tomie led the way for MRU with 15. 

The Cougars will have an opportunity to avenge the defeat on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. and tickets can be purchased online.