Griffins' bid for second-straight victory comes up just short in Regina
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
18 | 17 | 17 | 22 | 74 |
|
|
21 | 16 | 22 | 22 | 81 |
Team Stats
Regina
| Game Statistics | MacEwan University | Regina |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goals | (28-71) | (31-65) |
| Field Goal % | 39.4% | 47.7% |
| Rebounds | 41 | 42 |
| Assists | 8 | 9 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 12 |
| Pts off Turnovers | 11 | 16 |
| 2nd Chance Pts | 14 | 11 |
| Pts in the Paint | 36 | 48 |
| Fastbreak Pts | 1 | 12 |
| Bench Pts | 25 | 11 |
Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
REGINA – With the possibility in play that they could start a winning streak after ending a 75-game losing skid right before Christmas break, the MacEwan Griffins men's basketball team was holding a three-point lead on the Regina Cougars early in the third quarter on Friday night.
Unfortunately, it didn't hold as the Cougars clawed into the lead and never looked back, defeating the Griffins 81-74 in the first game of the second semester for both teams.
"We feel we gave the game away," said Griffins head coach Mike Connolly. "Dismal free throw shooting (going 10-for-21) was the difference. When it was close down the stretch, we didn't tighten our defence and had some poor possessions that allowed it to go from a two-point game to a six-point deficit.
"We also had some costly turnovers down the stretch that didn't help. But, basically our defence wasn't constant and focused for 40 minutes."
With the result, the Griffins fall to 1-8 on the Canada West campaign, while Regina improves to 6-5.
Regina's offensive effort was spread between five players in double digits, led by a double double from Lodie Kenyi (18 points, 10 boards). Jamie White chipped in 16 points, while Ben Kamba had 15, Arinze Emeka-Anyakwo 11 and Christian Tabiri 10.
Job Janda gets a great offensive board and put-back, finishing with 16 points and 11 rebounds as the @MacEwanGriffins push @ReginaCougars before falling 81-74.#GriffNation pic.twitter.com/pxZ4KTgSvz
— MacEwan Griffins Men's Basketball Team (@Griffins_MBB) January 11, 2025
MacEwan's Job Janda recorded his second double double of the 2024-25 season with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Milan Jaksic also had 16 points, adding seven boards, while Justace Byam chipped in 13 points.
"Job was our hardest worker, who played with grit," said Connolly.
The Griffins certainly have another level to bring into Saturday's rematch (7 p.m. MT, Canada West TV). The game will also be streamed for free on CBC Gem and CBC Sports.
"We did a good job crashing off the glass and when we pushed and ran, we created some good opportunities," said Connolly. "It's there. We just need increased grit and determination."
