For the second consecutive night the University of Regina's men's basketball team took a lead into the fourth quarter on the road at Winnipeg, but for the second consecutive night the Wesmen were able to come up with a late rally for the win as they escaped with an 87-81 win on Saturday at the Dr. David F. Anderson Gymnasium.
The Cougars led by five points at the midway mark of the fourth quarter, but Winnipeg turned the tide with a 10-1 run over the next two minutes that put the Wesmen up four.
Alex Igual replied with a big three for Regina to get back to within one, but Winnipeg scored on its next two possessions and led by at least four points the rest of the way.
The loss drops Regina's record to 7-11, though the Cougars still remain in contention for a Canada West playoff berth. The Cougars likely hold their postseason destiny in their own hands – they host Thompson Rivers (8-10) next weekend, and a sweep over the WolfPack would almost certainly send them to the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
Jamar Farley and Sean Tarver led Winnipeg (12-6) with 22 points and 20 points, respectively, while Ryan Oirbans had 12 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double. Denzel Lynch-Blair added 16 points, while William Sesay scored eight points, pulled down a team-high 12 rebounds, and had five assists.
Regina's
Brian Ofori had his third double-double of the season with 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Igual and
Johneil Johnson (pictured) both scored 18 points and
Brandon Tull added 14.
The Cougars and Thompson Rivers will play next Friday and Saturday at the Centre for Kinesiology, Health & Sport. Game time is set for 8 p.m. both nights.