CIS Hoops.ca

In a sloppy game that had both teams coming off last night's foul-fest, 5'11" freshman Brendan Herbert swished an open three from about 5 feet behind the 3 point line with 33 seconds remaining to break a 58 all tie and send the Cougars to 4-0 in Canada West play on the young season. 

After some terrible shooting and numerous fouls reduced the game to a crawl, the final minutes were action packed and it appeared that Lethbridge would pull away, especially after 6'3" Danhue Lawrence (19 points, 10 rebounds) hit a three from the right baseline to beat the shot clock, giving the 'Horns a 5 point lead with under 3 minutes to play.  But 6'0" Sterling Nostedt, who was ice cold all afternoon going 1-11 from the floor and 1-7 from 3 point land after knocking down a bunch of 3's last night, answered from downtown with his only make of the game almost immediately for Regina and the drama began.  6'5" freshman lefty Matt Campbell later tied the game at 54 going 1-2 from the line before the 'Horns persisted on the "o" glass with about 4 follow ups before 6'3" Julian Spear-Chief Morris was fouled on another put back.  His 2 free throws gave the 'Horns the lead again and then 6'5" Randy Davis (14 points) later had a slick spinning layup to give Lethbridge their final lead at 58-56 with under 2 minutes remaining. 

Regina then scored the next 9 points including a tough finish inside by 6'7" Paul Gareau followed by Herbert's dramatic three.  The Horns faced a Regina zone down the stretch and had numerous roll-arounds and in-and-outs but persisted on the offensive glass, especially after 6'7" Kris Heshka fouled out with 4 minutes remaining.

The Cougars benefited from several head scratching calls in the waning moments including an out-of-bounds call and a couple of block/charge calls that easily could have gone against Regina.  Still, while the home cooking helped, Lethbridge's inability to take good shots and some questionable decisions hurt. 

Gareau had 20 to lead Regina and added 9 rebounds highlighted by the strong finish inside to tie the game late and begin the game-deciding 9-0 run.  6'10" Abner Kamps and 6'7" Derek Waldner both fouled out for Lethbridge as the teams combined for 43 fouls.  Regina shot only 32% overall including 4-23 from 3 (17%) while the 'Horns were just as bad, going 3-15 from downtown and 31% overall.  Lethbridge played without arguably their top three point shooter in 6'2" Quinn Van Gaalen who reinjured an ankle late in Friday night's loss.

Regina jumped to an early lead bouyed by an 8-0 run while holding the Horns scoreless for 5 minutes.  But Lawrence finally got himself started and his 3 gave Lethbridge their first lead at 22-19 with 4 1/2 minutes left in the second.  But Regina finished the half on an 11-2 run including 5 points by newcomer Jesus Mora.  A 9 point third quarter from Lawrence allowed Lethbridge to overcome a 5 point halftime deficit to lead by one entering the fourth.