Griffins unable to claw back early deficit, undone by big-scoring Brandon star in 96-84 defeat
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
26 | 17 | 16 | 25 | 84 |
|
|
29 | 26 | 16 | 25 | 96 |
Team Stats
| Game Statistics | MacEwan University | Brandon |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goals | (30-66) | (40-79) |
| Field Goal % | 45.5% | 50.6% |
| Rebounds | 32 | 49 |
| Assists | 19 | 30 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 16 |
| Pts off Turnovers | 25 | 22 |
| 2nd Chance Pts | 11 | 20 |
| Pts in the Paint | 40 | 48 |
| Fastbreak Pts | 6 | 0 |
| Bench Pts | 24 | 10 |
Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
BRANDON, Man. – There was no fourth quarter glitch this time for the Griffins men's basketball team.
This time, the first half got them as they never really did climb out of an early 12-point deficit, losing 96-84 to the Brandon Bobcats.
In short, though, they had no answer for Bobcats star Sultan Haider-Bhatti, who scored 36 points.
"Today was kind of a blur, to be honest with you," said Griffins head coach David Kapinga. "We were just trying to figure out solutions to problems and we were turning the ball over. They were getting any shot they wanted and then we kind of got into a little run there at the end.
"Then as soon as we got the momentum, we gave it back to them. Sultan, their best player, did what best players do and took over the game."
Certainly, Griffins top players can learn from what Haider-Bhatti did, coming up clutch when it was warranted.
"That was the speech after the game," noted Kapinga. "He was prepared for these moments and I don't think we were. These what you learn from experience. That's what prepares you for later on.
"I hope that's how we take it. I hope this is how we learn. That was a big conversation, learning from these moments. It sucks for the seniors, who have one more weekend. But for the guys who are coming back next year, this is how winning is built."
With the result, the Griffins fall to 3-15 and have been officially eliminated from playoff contention. Brandon is now 8-10 and looking good to catch one of the top seven spots in the Prairie Division who will compete in the Canada West post-season.
Haider-Bhatt was one of three Bobcats to record a double double on the evening (36 points, 10 rebounds), along with Munroop Gill (23 points, 10 rebounds) and Youri Cange (12 points, 10 rebounds).
A little shake and bake in the first quarter from Dami Osuma!#GriffNation pic.twitter.com/CmGdVGNic4
— MacEwan Griffins Men's Basketball Team (@Griffins_MBB) February 1, 2026
MacEwan was led by captain Job Janda, who nearly had a triple double with 18 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Diego Presingular also had 18 points for the Griffins while both Dami Osuma and Milan Jaksic bucketed 10 points apiece.
Job Janda knocks down a big three to start the fourth quarter for the @MacEwanGriffins!#GriffNation pic.twitter.com/l4S8sVuKqS
— MacEwan Griffins Men's Basketball Team (@Griffins_MBB) February 1, 2026
"Again, Job is just our anchor," said Kapinga. "He's been our anchor probably since Lethbridge. He's been so solid for us, not just offensively but defensively, too. He's taking on the best guard on the other team, scoring and grabbing rebounds for us.
"He almost got a triple double today. He was showing he has so many facets to his game. I'm very proud of him for that. I want him to take that into next week."
The Griffins will host Regina on Feb. 6-7 to close out the 2025-26 season.
