Patience pays off for Trojans
CALGARY, ALTA., (Nov. 10, 2018) — It wasn't pretty at times, but the SAIT Trojans men's basketball team finished the weekend as the only undefeated team in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference's (ACAC) South Division.
Saturday's game had a bit of everything, as the Trojans came away with a 97-74 victory over the visiting Lethbridge College Kodiaks to improve to 6-0 on the season.
"I've always said that our run strategy is similar to running the ball in football – as long as you don't get down big, it's just a matter of time before you break out," said Trojans head coach, Marty Birky when asked about his team staying patient. "We have several guys who can make a difference out there, and it's just a matter of time before one of them does."
One of the guys who made a difference on Saturday was second-year forward Magai Magai (2nd year, Calgary, Electrical Engineering Technology). He went 10-for-10 from the free throw line en route to an 18-point, seven rebound and five steal performance.
"He was huge for us, and not just stats-wise in rebounds and points. He's a great defender," Birky said. "We were struggling with their ball screen action, but Magai did a good job of keeping their point guard out of the key so he couldn't find his shooters."
Lethbridge College falls to 3-3 on the year.
After starting the game well, and leading 21-14 after one quarter of play, the Trojans went ice cold from the field in the second. Lethbridge clawed their way back into the game thanks to a 25-15 second quarter and led the Trojans by three at the half.
Instead of panicking, the Trojans chipped away at the lead in the third quarter. Charlie Conner (2nd year, Lacey, Wash., Business Administration) scored nine of his game-high 26 points in the quarter to give the Trojans back the lead.
In the final quarter, SAIT had everyone firing on all cylinders, as they scored an impressive 38 points in the final 10 minutes of play to separate themselves.
SAIT returns to action next weekend with an afternoon game on Nov. 17 against the Medicine Hat College Rattlers. Game time is set for 3pm.
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