Entering the Canada West Quarter-final as the #5 seed, the Manitoba Bisons faced a difficult task on the road against the #4-seeded UBC Thunderbirds, ranked sixth nationally. UBC had the advantage of rest, having watched Manitoba defeat the Bobcats the night before, while the Herd was challenged with a quick turnaround that tested both their legs and their focus. Still, with momentum on their side, the Bisons embraced the challenge, determined to keep their playoff run alive.
Manitoba came out with strong energy, keeping the game close at 18–15 after the first quarter. The team moved the ball effectively and created quality scoring opportunities, but the shots simply wouldn’t fall. Tito Obasoto led the early charge with five points, while Cieran O’Hara added four, helping the Bisons match UBC’s intensity from the opening tip.
The second quarter proved pivotal. UBC opened with a decisive 14–2 run, stretching the lead to 32–15 and forcing Manitoba to battle uphill. The Thunderbirds’ aggressive zone defense disrupted the Bisons’ offensive rhythm, and free throws — often the equalizer in tight games — became an obstacle. Manitoba shot just 5-of-12 (41.7%) from the line in the first half.
To their credit, the Herd refused to fold. Full-court pressure began to create turnovers and shift momentum. Manitoba cut the deficit to eight before a deep UBC three-pointer just before halftime restored some breathing room for the home side. Offensive seasonal leaders Mason Kraus and Daren Watts were limited to four and six points respectively in the opening half.
The third quarter was marked by defensive intensity on both ends. Manitoba showed resilience, outscoring UBC 21–20 and cutting the lead to seven at one point. Each possession carried weight, and although the Bisons clawed back, the Thunderbirds maintained a 59–49 advantage heading into the final frame.
The Bisons saved their most relentless effort for the final ten minutes. Manitoba’s defensive pressure intensified, forcing turnovers and unsettling UBC’s ball handlers. The Herd closed the gap to just four points with 2:14 remaining and had an opportunity to make it a one-possession game with an open three shortly thereafter, but the shot would not fall.
The Bisons had their chances, yet shooting struggles persisted. For the night, Manitoba finished 33.8% (26-of-77) from the field, 14.3% (5-of-35) from beyond the arc, and 50% (12-of-24) at the free-throw line — leaving 12 points unclaimed in an eight-point game. UBC shot 40.3% from the field and capitalized at the line, converting 22-of-28 (78.6%). The final score read 77–69.
Cieran O’Hara, despite battling early foul trouble, delivered a strong fourth quarter on the glass and playing stellar defense before fouling out with approximately four minutes remaining. Daren Watts found his offensive rhythm in the second half, pouring in 16 of his team-high 22 points after the break. Mason Kraus chipped in with 13 points.
After the game, Head Coach Kirby Schepp reflected on both the effort and the emotion of the evening, expressing pride in his team’s defensive intensity while acknowledging the challenges that ultimately proved costly.
“Our effort at the defensive end was fantastic. Forcing 27 turnovers - UBC had real trouble with pressure in both the full court and half court. Unfortunately, as has happened several times, our Achilles heel showed itself tonight. All year we’ve either been great from the free-throw line or struggled, hot or cold from three, and unfortunately we were on the wrong side of that spectrum at the worst possible time”
This contest marked the final game in a Bison uniform for Cieran O’Hara, Mason Kraus, Sam Jensen, Tito Obasoto, Manyang Tong, and Daren Watts. The season did not conclude as they had hoped, but their commitment, resilience, and pride in wearing the brown and gold were never in question.
Coach Schepp shared heartfelt appreciation about the departing seniors.
“I am most proud of the six senior guys who have played their last game as Bisons. They are incredible young men that I am honoured to have the chance to coach for these past five years. They represented us with class and honour, and our thoughts are with them as they move on to the next stages of their lives. They will always be Bisons.”
Click here for the
FULL STORY
⭐ Bisons Top Performers
Daren Watts
22pts • 7 rebs • 4 asts • 5 stls
Mason Kraus
13pts • 5 rebs • 5 stls • 4 asts
Tito Obasoto
9 pts • 3 rebs • 1 stl
Cieran O’Hara
8 rebs • 8 pts • 2 stls • 1 blk
Click here for
Box Score