Coming off a pair of home-opener wins, the Kodiak basketball teams were unable to produce similar results in their most recent match-ups. 

The Kodiaks played host to the Mount Royal Cougars on 0ct. 28.

The stakes were high in the women’s game, before entering the game both teams were tied for first with an overall four points in the ACAC South Division.

However, the Kodiaks came up short against the Cougars and are now tied for second place with SAIT and Medicine Hat. The finals score was 77- 56 for the Cougars.

In the first quarter both teams were equally strong in their fast-breaking, scoring styles and showcased some solid defence. By the end of first quarter the Cougars lead the game 17-14.

The Cougars pulled ahead significantly in the second quarter. Kodiak scoring was found lacking and came up with a mere four points. Lindsey Pierson and Shaylee Hanson were responsible for the two baskets.

Meanwhile, the Cougars turned it on and made four three-pointers in the quarter. Cougar Emily Larson scored 13 points during that time. Kodiaks tried unsuccessfully to work their press and the score at half time was 40-18 for the Cougars.

Third quarter scoring for the Kodiaks was improved, with three-pointers by Pierson and Jackie Orje only minutes into play. Kodiak Brittany Pekar contributed six points in the quarter.  Despite this the Cougars maintained their lead and quarter ended 59-39 in their favour.

Scoring was back and forth in the fourth quarter, with both teams putting approximately the same numbers on the board. It wasn’t enough for the Kodiaks to close the gap and the final score was 77-56 for the Cougars.

Top scorers for the Kodiaks were Hanson with 13 points and Jenelle Gieske with 10 points. Players of the game went to Lindsey Pierson and the Cougar’s Emily Larson.

The men’s game had a similar result with the Cougars coming out on top with a 79-63 victory.

After Friday’s games Mount Royal sits at first place in the ACAC South Division, while Lethbridge is in fifth.

In first quarter the teams displayed some nice passes, solid rebounding, and proved it could be a close one. The Kodiaks were up until the end of the quarter when the Cougars pulled ahead slightly. The scores at the end of the first was 14-13 for the Cougars.

Photo: Mount Royal Cougar’s Keville Ollivierre player out-maneuvers Kodiaks’ defense for a slam dunk