paid off. The Wesmen defeated the Manitoba Bisons 80-73 in the third
and deciding game of the Great Plains Division Final Saturday night at
the Duckworth Centre in Winnipeg. The Wesmen made some adjustments on defense, most importantly putting first year player Tremaine Francis
into the game to light a spark on the defensive side of the ball.
Francis finished with a strong six rebounds, and two steals in only eight minutes of playing time. The Wesmen pressure defense seemed to confuse the Bisons in the first half with Winnipeg leading 20-10 after the first quarter and expanding their lead to 39-22 at halftime.
Winnipeg shot better from the field than in game two, connecting from 47% of the ir shots in the first half. Manitoba struggled shooting a paltry 28%, including 0-for-9 from three point range. The Wesmen were able to carry the play in to the third quarter and keeping a hard working Bison team off balance. An amazing running three pointer by Uzo Asagwara gave Winnipeg a 57-36 lead after three quarters of play. The Bisons were forced to play desperate ball in the fourth quarter and were able to cut the lead to as little as six points. with the help of six-three poinyters in the fourth quarter. The Wesmen were able to sink their free throws when they needed to and win the game and series.
Asagwara finished with a team high 26 points. Stefanie Timmersman also had a great bgame finishing with 20 points and nine rebounds. Third year point guard Jenny Ezirim was a spark on both sides of the ball finishing with 13 points, three assist and picking up three steals and one block.
Sarah Holder kept Manitoba in the game scoring a game high 28 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. The Wesmen will now head to next weekend's Canada West Final Four at UBC or Simon Fraser.
By Sheldon Appelle, Wesmen Sports