Bisons Open Pre-Season Against McGill
The Bisons opened their 2026–27 pre-season tonight in Montreal, falling 83–66 to McGill in the first game action of the year for a young Bison squad.
Miles King scored a career-high 21 points leading McGill to its first win before 312 fans at Love Competition Hall.
The victory improved McGill's preseason record to 1-1, while the Herd fell to 0-1.
Twelve Bisons saw court time as Coach Schepp took advantage of the opportunity to give players valuable early-season experience.
“It was a good learning experience for our young guys,” said Head Coach Kirby Schepp. “They got a taste for the physicality of U SPORTS basketball.”
Manitoba battled throughout and held its own on the glass, outrebounding McGill 36–35, including a 14–8 advantage on the offensive boards. The Bisons also forced 19 McGill turnovers and scored 17 points off those miscues.
The difference came largely in shooting efficiency. Manitoba shot 33.3% from the field and 4-for-24 (16.7%) from three-point range, while McGill connected on 43.7% overall and 38.1% from beyond the arc.
Samuel Desrochers and Brandt Lenz led the Bisons with 12 points each, with Desrochers adding five rebounds and five assists. Ramogi Nyagudi finished with 11 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Schepp was particularly pleased with Desrochers’ performance in his Bison debut.
“Sam Desrochers played very well in his first game as a Bison in front of family and friends in his hometown.”
Jonam Kazadi also provided a strong physical presence off the bench, finishing with six points and a game-high 12 rebounds.
The opening game provided plenty of valuable pre-season experience as the Herd continues to integrate its newcomers and develop chemistry ahead of the Canada West season.
With a young roster and many new faces, the Bisons recognize there is still plenty of work ahead as they continue to develop into the competitive team they hope to become.
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The Herd now turns its attention to tomorrow’s matchup against UQAM (Université du Québec à Montréal) to wrap up its Montreal pre-season trip.
UQAM is coming off an 89–88 victory over Mount Royal earlier today.
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