Bisons Hand Cougars Their First Home Loss
The University of Manitoba Bisons earned an important road victory in Calgary yesterday afternoon, defeating the Mount Royal University Cougars 86–77 on their home court, marking MRU’s first home loss of the season.
The win showcased the Herd’s ability to battle through adversity and execute when it mattered most.
The game unfolded as a tight contest throughout. Mount Royal held the early edge, leading 27–22 after the first quarter. The Bisons responded in the second, edging ahead to take a 37–36 lead into halftime.
The third quarter presented challenges, with every Bison starter in foul trouble, but Manitoba remained composed. The Cougars carried a narrow advantage into the fourth, leading 63–61 after three quarters.
In the final frame, the Bisons found their rhythm, outscoring Mount Royal 25–14 to secure the win and close the game at 86–77. Brandt Lenz scored all 8 of his points in the fourth quarter with a pair of treys putting the Herd out of reach.
The Bisons shot 40.8% from the field, 33.3% from three-point range, and a strong 81% from the free-throw line. Mount Royal finished at 39.1% overall, 25% from beyond the arc, and 75.8% from the stripe.
Coach Schepp highlighted the team’s resilience and focus:
“Proud of the way the guys stayed together. We struggled through some foul trouble, and the guys stayed resilient and hung in. The key to the game was rebounding. MRU is the best offensive rebounding team in the division, and we held them to just 9. I was happy with the way the closing lineups executed late - moving the ball and getting really good shots.”
Late momentum swings were fueled by timely shot-making. Three-pointers from Brandt Lenz and Manyang Tong, along with clutch free throws by Sam Jensen, played a significant role in sealing the outcome.
With the win, Manitoba improves to 6–5, moving from 6th place to 4th in the Prairie Conference standings. The Cougars drop to 8–5, remaining in 3rd place.
The teams are back at it tonight in what is expected to be another competitive matchup, as the Bisons look to build on this performance and carry momentum forward.
A solid win. A strong team effort. A step forward for the Herd.
Go Bisons. 🦬
The Calgary native delivered his strongest performance of the season off the bench, finishing with 19 points and 4 rebounds. His contribution provided a valuable lift for the Herd in his hometown.
⭐ Bisons Top Performers
Daren Watts
20 pts • 5 rebs
Manyang Tong
19 pts • 4 rebs • 3 asts
Taven Vigilance
13 pts • 5 rebs
Shot 62.5% from the field!
Tito Obasoto
9 pts • 4 rebs • 1 ast
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Box Score
NOTE: Mason Kraus made his return to the lineup last night, playing his first game after an extended break recovering from a wrist injury. In 34 minutes, Kraus provided a steady all-around contribution with 5 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal. Coach Schepp noted after the game that Mason’s wrist is “good” and that he has responded well since returning to full activity.