MBB | 23-24 Season Recap

The SAIT Trojans men's basketball team was once again one of the best in the country, finishing fourth in the ACAC after a 17-4 season.

 SAIT beat Lethbridge College to reach the final four of the ACAC but lost a nail-biter to Keyano College for a spot in the finals before falling to Lakeland in the bronze medal game. Fourth wasn’t the goal for the Trojans this year, but the team should be proud of their year-long success.

 Star point guard Marcus Masters was rewarded for his unbelievable season as a CCAA All-Canadian, as well as making the first-team all-conference team for the ACAC. On the year, Masters put up 22.2 points per game with four rebounds and three assists. He also led all Trojans starters in steals per game and shot over 43% from three. It’s no surprise he was recognized as one of Canada’s best players.

 He was joined on the ACAC all-conference first team by Kuol Kuol, who played every game for the Trojans. Kuol averaged 13 points on 52% shooting, six rebounds and two assists on the year, and was one of the top offensive rebounders in the conference. He also shot 39% from three.

 Standout guard Akoi Yuot joined the Trojans after the Christmas break and immediately became one of the Trojans' best scorers. In his 11 games, Yuot scored 20.5 points per game with 8.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He shot a ridiculous 45% from three and 54% overall.

 After losing their season opener, SAIT rattled off seven straight wins to establish themselves as one of the teams to beat in the conference. Going into winter break, they were 8-2.

 Their only losses in the second half were by a combined nine points, falling to St. Mary’s by six and Lethbridge by three. They’d get revenge over Lethbridge in the playoffs, though. After barely squeaking by Keyano College by two in their third last game, the Trojans blew out Lakeland and UAA to gather some momentum heading into the playoffs.

 Unfortunately, SAIT lost to Keyano College in the semi-finals of the ACAC championships.

 It was still a wildly successful season, as a 17-4 record is something to be proud of. They battled with the best all year, splitting the season series with eventual Canadian champs Keyano College 1-1.

 The Trojans will look to continue their dominance in men’s basketball next year, gunning for the ACAC championship and another National Championship banner.

Article written by Will Fisher, Journalism Student at SAIT