MBB: Barnie’s double-double powers Cougars to 77–71 victory

#12 Daniel Owoeye, leading the Cougars on his senior night.

The 11–6 Mount Royal Cougars welcomed the 6–9 Brandon Bobcats to Kenyon Court on Saturday night, with playoff positioning on the line as the Canada West regular season continued to wind down. The evening also marked senior night, as the Cougars honoured fifth-year forward Daniel Owoeye for his contributions to the program.

Brandon forward Sultan Haider-Bhatti looked to spark the Bobcats early as they aimed to avoid a weekend sweep. The visitors came out firing, opening the game on a 9–0 run. Tag Layton provided an early offensive lift for Mount Royal, scoring the Cougars' first five points, but Brandon still held a 15–5 advantage in the opening minutes.

The Bobcats continued to build momentum, pushing their lead to as many as 12 points and closing the first quarter ahead 23–11.

Cougars captain Sam Barnie looked to provide a much-needed spark for Mount Royal, but Haider-Bhatti continued to control the offensive end, putting on a scoring display and showing why he is regarded as one of the top scorers in Canada West.

Two huge three-pointers from guards DJ Roberts and Tag Layton sparked Mount Royal, cutting the Bobcats' early second-quarter lead to five. Brandon carried a 41–35 advantage into the break.

Both teams looked to gain much-needed momentum in the second half, with Cougars guard Jacob McLellan getting off to a strong start in the early minutes. Mount Royal continued to chip away, cutting the Bobcats' lead to just one point heading into the final quarter, Brandon up 52–51.

Captain Sam Barnie ignited the Cougars early in the fourth, opening the quarter with a three-pointer to give MRU a 54–52 lead. Haider-Bhatti responded with strong efforts late to keep the game close, with Mount Royal still holding a two-point advantage with four minutes remaining. Forward Kuach Gajak then extended the Cougars' lead to six, making it 66–60.

A big three-pointer from Hamburger gave the Bobcats a brief lead at 69–68 with two minutes remaining. However, strong defensive plays down the stretch allowed Mount Royal to pull away, securing a 77–71 victory on Saturday night.

Player of the Game: Captain Sam Barnie, who finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds, leading the Cougars to the win.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#8 Sam Barnie: F; 6' 6"; Third Year

#12 Daniel Owoeye: F; 6' 6"; Third Year

#17 DJ Roberts: G; 6' 1"; First Year

#0 Kuach Gajak: G; 6' 4"; First Year

#10 Jacob McLellan: G; 6' 3"; First Year

#6 Tag Layton: G; 6' 0"; Second Year

Players Mentioned

#8 Sam Barnie
: 6' 6"; Third Year
: F

#12 Daniel Owoeye
: 6' 6"; Third Year
: F

#17 DJ Roberts
: 6' 1"; First Year
: G

#0 Kuach Gajak
: 6' 4"; First Year
: G

#10 Jacob McLellan
: 6' 3"; First Year
: G

#6 Tag Layton
: 6' 0"; Second Year
: G