Trojans take care of business against Lightning

CALGARY, ALTA., (Jan. 18, 2020) - Saturday night was considerably less dramatic for the SAIT Trojans men's basketball team.

One night after winning at the buzzer, the Trojans defeated the same St. Mary's University Lightning team 80-57 in Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) action played inside SAIT's Campus Centre.

"We didn't turnover the ball like we did Friday night, and started to play like we know we can and that's defence first," said Trojans head coach Marty Birky when asked what the difference was from game to game. "It was a great bounce back game."

SAIT improves to 9-3 on the season, while St. Mary's falls to 5-8.

After the teams traded baskets in the first quarter, SAIT pulled away in the second when they outscored St. Mary's 21-10 in the frame to take a 40-28 lead into the half.

After the break, the Trojans defence took over, allowing just 10 points in the third, as they extended their lead to 17.

The final quarter saw the Lightning battle to get back into the game. And while they scored 19 points in the final 10 minutes of play, SAIT scored 25 to cement the win.

Newcomer Taliik Ross (3rd year, Orange Park, Fla., Business Administration) recorded a double-double for SAIT in his first home game, scoring 18 points and adding 13 rebounds.

"It was nice to see him bounce back after a tough game Friday night," Birky said of his new 7-footer. "He's still got a long ways to go, but he's getting there."

Teammate Camille Kamba (3rd year, Calgary, Business Administration) scored a career-high 18 points while adding five steals, and Calvin Chambers (4th year, Memphis, Tenn., Business Administration) scored a game-high 20 points.

Ryan Morck led the Lightning with 11 points.

The Trojans play just once next weekend, a home game Friday night against the Olds College Broncos.

"We need to stay hungry, that's the message," Birky said of the looming matchup. "They beat us last year, so these guys who were with us then need to remember that."