Bisons men’s basketball recap

Wagner impresses in start of season

The Bisons men’s basketball team is at the halfway point of its season after some impressive play. The team is first in the east division with a 5-3 record and looks to stay in that spot for the rest of the season. The squad went in to the weekend with a 5-1 record before dropping back-to-back games to the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.

The herd’s Christmas break has begun — the team doesn’t suit up on the court until Jan. 15, 2022. This is something that fifth-year forward James Wagner is excited for.

“During our break, we are going to practice and improve our play for the second half of the season,” Wagner said.

“We have a very good team and have the talent to do well in this league. A little bit more practice will hopefully push us in the right direction.”

Wagner has had a great start to his fifth year with the team. His season-high for points sits at 19, 15 for rebounds and 39 for minutes played. With the Bisons going into the break, he is happy with how the team has performed.

“We have had a very good start to the season so far,” Wagner said.

“The back-to-back to back losses against a good Saskatchewan team was tough to swallow, but overall we are happy. [Our record] 5-3 is never a bad record to have and we are playing some good basketball.”

As the season rolls on, the Bisons will look to continue improving.

The team plays some tough and crucial games down the stretch against the Huskies and the University of Regina Cougars.

The Huskies and Cougars are tied with the Bisons for the top spot in the east division. These head-to-head games will be crucial in the final standings.

The Bisons also face off in a home-at-home series with the University of Winnipeg Wesmen. With the squads both playing in Winnipeg, it is unsurprising that the two teams have developed a rivalry over time.

With the stoppage of game play last season due to COVID-19, it is important to go out on the court and compete at every opportunity.

“With the season being cancelled last year, we are just happy to be able to play basketball again,” Wagner said.

“It’s been a long time and it feels great.”

The Bisons’ next game will be on Jan. 15, 2022 at home against the Wesman. The team will look to improve its record against an old rival.

The herd will end its season off against the Brandon Bobcats of Brandon University, which should be two huge games in playoff seeding.