Trojans edge Lightning in season opener

CALGARY, ALTA., (Oct. 18, 2019) - It wasn't easy, but the SAIT Trojans men's basketball team got the job done.

The Trojans were pressed, but came out on top in their Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) season-opening game, beating the St. Mary's University Lightning 100-92 on Friday night at SAIT's Campus Centre.

"We just played a team that played a lot of pre-season games, and they were just more polished than us tonight," said Trojans head coach Marty Birky. "We were fortunate to get the ball to bounce our way a few times. Guys hit some big shots."

SAIT moves to 1-0 on the season. St. Mary's falls to 0-1.

"Defensively, we got lost on switches and didn't anticipate well," Birky added. "We just didn't show up defensively tonight. . . It really did feel like we were playing our first game of the season."

The Trojans got out to an early lead thanks to a strong start by Gemie Muya (2nd year, Toronto, Ont., Office Professional). He scored eight points in the opening quarter - all of them coming on passes to him right underneath the basket that he converted.

Muya ended the night with a game-high 30 points to go along with 11 rebounds and four steals.

"He's an all-star for a reason," Birky said of Muya. "He has no ego, just works hard."

After being tied at 46 at halftime, the teams traded baskets in the third quarter until the Lightning held a slim two-point lead going into the final 10 minutes of play.

The final quarter saw SAIT ramp up their efforts, getting some key shots from players down the stretch.

Up just three points with 18 seconds left, This Yellow Horn (3rd year, Strathmore, Alta., Business Administration) connected on a three-pointer from the corner to put the game away.

Charlie Conner (3rd year, Lacey, Wash., Business Administration) added 19 points, nine rebounds and five assists for the Trojans, while Kaleel Faiz (3rd year, Toronto, Travel and Tourism)  came up just one rebound short of a triple-double with 18 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds.

Wil Konybai led the Lightning with 30 points.

SAIT will return to action next Friday night when they travel to Red Deer to take on the Kings in an 8pm start.