Trojans grab win over Clippers

CALGARY, ALTA., (Nov. 15, 2019) - By their body language, one would have guessed the SAIT Trojans men's basketball team lost on Friday night. But, that was not the case.

In their ugly-at-times Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) contest, the Trojans beat the visiting Briercrest College Clippers SCORE.

"No, it wasn't pretty, but that's been the story with all of them this season to be honest," said Trojans guard Charlie Conner, shaking his head. "But we had guys come up big when we needed. I haven't been great this year, but I have great teammates who keep me involved. . . It was ugly, but when it comes down to it, we pushed to get it done."

SAIT moves to 6-0 on the season, while the Clippers fall to 1-4.

Despite having what he called a bad game, Conner (3rd year, Lacey, Wash., Business Administration) in fact recorded his second triple-double of the season - scoring 12 points, while adding 11 assists and 11 rebounds.

Helping out in the points department was the emerging duo of Calvin Chambers (4th year, Memphis, Tenn., Business Administration) and Tyis Yellow Horn (3rd year, Strathmore, Alta., Business Administration).

The two combined for 49 points - Chambers with 29 and Yellow Horn with 20.

"Every game we have someone step up, and it's not just then. It happens in practice as well," Conner added. "I'm proud of all these guys, and feel lucky to have them as my teammates."

What turned the tide on Friday was a third quarter in which the Trojans scored 32 points - 12 of those from Yellow Horn - to bump a seven point lead at half up to 15 going into the final quarter.

Clippers guard CJ Greer came into the game averaging 22 points per game, but the Trojans did a good job of keeping him in check. He finished Friday's game with just 10.

With their top scorer struggling, Brolin Times led Briercrest with 12 points.

The Trojans will now have a short week before returning to action on Thursday night in an all-Calgary matchup at Ambrose University. Tip-off is set for 8pm.

In their first matchup this season, SAIT rallied back to take a 90-89 victory. Conner is expecting push back from the Lions this time around.

"It's going to be tough. They have become a good rival for us. I love Ambrose," he said. "They're a good team, but we should have some bodies back who have missed the last couple of weeks. The excitement will be there."