The Herd closed out their preseason schedule on a winning note with a gritty 63–58 win over the UNBC Timberwolves on Saturday night.
Manitoba led most of the way but struggled to find rhythm offensively, missing several shots in close and committing unforced errors that kept the game tighter than expected.
The Bisons led 17–13 after the first quarter and took a 33–23 advantage into halftime, but UNBC battled back, outscoring Manitoba in the second half to make things interesting down the stretch.
With the game on the line, Brandt Lenz buried a clutch three-pointer and Tito Obasoto knocked down two free throws to seal the win.
Despite shooting just 33.3% from the field, the Herd’s defense stood tall—forcing 18 turnovers and holding the Timberwolves to 36% shooting.
Second-year player Taven Vigilance delivered one of the best performances of his young career, scoring 15 points and grabbing seven rebounds off the bench.
Jonan Kazadi and Daren Watts each added 10 points, while Brandt Lenz chipped in with nine.
Veterans Mason Kraus and Cieran O’Hara, both recovering from injuries, were held out again but are hopeful to return for the regular-season opener next weekend in Brandon.
Manitoba wraps up the preseason with a 5–2 record, building momentum as Canada West play approaches.
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In the night’s other matchup, the Winnipeg Wesmen cruised past Algoma, 84–45, improving to a 7–1 preseason record.
Both Manitoba and Winnipeg closed out the tournament with perfect 2–0 records, while UNBC and Algoma finished winless at 0–2.
Go Bisons!