An intense, tight-scoring game for the Briercrest men’s basketball team against the Keyano Huskies ended in a disappointing loss, leaving Briercrest on the downside of 78-84.

The game got off to a quick start with the score tight from the first quarter already. Keyano opened the score 4-0 before Christian Sacoman shot a three from the corner. Briercrest pulled into the lead 10-8 and Keyano retaliated, taking the lead 15-12. Sacoman came out of Briercrest’s time out with another three, tying it up. Briercrest ended the quarter down 15-23.

The second quarter opened with a three-pointer from Ryan Fox, 18-23. Briercrest nearly allowed a turnover but Fox scored a buzzer-beater in the nick of time, 22-26. James Wohlgeschaffen was on a roll scoring consecutively until the score reached 31-34. Briercrest trailed just behind Keyano, and a short pass under the basket from Josh Dalzell to Friesen ignited excitement to end the first half behind 35-42.
Excitement grew as the score remained tight in the third quarter. Josiah Cockrill sunk a three early on, adding to the ever-growing momentum, 40-48. Justin Wolverton immediately followed suit with a three-pointer of own. Briercrest kept chipping away and the gap gradually lessened. Behind 51-54, Cockrill sunk a three, evening out the score at 54-54. Not to be easily overtaken, Keyano forged ahead and Briercrest ended the third quarter just shy of the lead 60-62.

Wolverton dropped a three in the bucket to open Briercrest’s score in an intense final quarter 63-66. Keyano extended their lead to a six-point gap, which Briercrest fought hard to combat. Wolverton dropped in another three coming up 76-81. The Clippers drove in another bucket, coming as close as 78-81. Foul trouble gave Keyano easy scoring opportunity and Briercrest ended just shy of victory 78-84.

Players of the game were Serge Khayipangi of the Keyano Huskies with one steal, four assists, seven rebounds and 30 points and Briercrest’s James Wohlgeschaffen with a high of five steals, two assists, a high of ten rebounds and 17 points. Justin Wolverton had a high of five assists.

Briercrest travels to play Augustana next weekend, January 17-18. Games are at 8:00pm on Friday and 3:00pm on Saturday.