The Bisons men’s basketball emerged victorious over the Brandon Bobcats on Nov. 3 with the final score of 81-74 in a fierce match that tested both teams’ endurance and strategy.
The final score highlighted the Bisons’ offensive resilience and defensive consistency, ultimately resulting in a well-earned win.
In the game’s opening quarter, the Bobcats and the Bisons established a defensive tone, with Bisons just edging ahead, ending the quarter at 20-15. Bisons guard Daren Watts responded with accurate shooting, scoring seven points, including a three-pointer. Both teams displayed scrappy defence that kept each other’s offense at bay, with the Bisons’ rebounding advantage contributing to their slight lead. Later, Bobcats’ Dewayne Thompson opened strong with two three-pointers, netting eight points in total and setting an early challenge for the Bisons.
The second quarter saw the Bobcats rally, bringing their team within two points. Sultan Haider Bhatti stepped up for the Bobcats, working hard on both ends and pulling down five total rebounds. Jack McDonald added a timely three-pointer, helping the Bobcats stay competitive as Bisons clung to their lead. For the Bisons, Cieran O’Hara and Manyang Tong showcased their versatility — each contributing two points, adding strong defensive play that limited Brandon’s scoring opportunities. At the half, the Bisons held on to a slim 35-32 lead, with their consistent free-throw accuracy proving a key advantage in such a close game.
Coming into the third quarter, the Bobcats hit their stride, highlighted by Travis Hamberger’s explosive quarter, scoring 14 points with four three-pointers. The Bobcats’ three-point shooting began to pressure the Bisons’ defence, forcing the Bisons to adjust. However, the herd stayed resilient, with Watts and Mason Kraus each putting up critical points to keep the lead. The teams traded baskets, and by the end of the third quarter, Bisons’ had a tenuous 55-54 lead, reflecting just how tightly matched these squads were.
As the game entered its final stretch, the Bisons dug deep, answering the Bobcats’ challenge with a balanced team effort. The Bisons field goal accuracy climbed, with efficient plays from Samuel Jensen, who put up seven points, including a crucial three-pointer that shifted momentum. Tong maintained a strong presence on defence, while O’Hara added crucial rebounds and forced turnovers, slowing Bobcats’ offense in key moments.
Despite valiant efforts from Bhatti and Jakarri Lindsey — who combined for 16 points in the final quarter — the Bobcats could not keep up with the Bisons’ precise execution. The Bisons ultimately pulled away, finishing the game with a solid 81-74 victory, secured by their shooting accuracy and tenacious defence.
The Bisons’ ability to hit free throws, particularly in the first half, provided a solid foundation for their lead. Shooting consistency proved critical, especially given the Bobcats’ offensive bursts. The Bobcats’ standout performer, Hamberger, proved to be a scoring powerhouse, but the balanced offensive strategy of the Bisons, complemented by their control on the boards, led them to victory.
The Bisons’ depth was another advantage, with six players contributing at least five points each, highlighting their ability to share the scoring load. Defensively, the Bisons’ ability to pressure Brandon’s shooters in the final minutes made the difference, securing the game and showcasing the Bisons’ promising season start.
This victory reinforces the Bisons’ potential as a formidable team, showing their resilience under pressure and highlighting the importance of fundamentals in a close, competitive game. The Bisons will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup, hoping to continue their winning streak and solidify their place atop the standings.
In a post-match interview, head coach Kirby Schepp commented on the team’s performance. “I mean, I thought we were inconsistent at times, you know, I’m happy with our efforts. I think at times we weren’t super disciplined,” said Schepp.
He added, “but that’s a process, and as we continue to build and get better, I think it’s going to improve as the year goes on.”
When asked about standout players, “Daren Watts was very good scoring the basketball,” said Schepp. “He was very efficient. And Cieran O’Hara was phenomenal defensively, right. He was our anchor, defensively, blocking shots, rebounding — he was everywhere on the court.”
Schepp talked about the Brandon Bobcats, attributing credit to their efforts. “They just kept clawing away and hanging around. And you know, this is a competitive league. Teams aren’t going to fold and pack it in on you, right? So, they’re going to stay with it all the way, and we know that. We just have to continue to be disciplined and do what we do.”
The Bisons will face the Saskatchewan Huskies next on Nov. 8 at 9 p.m. in Saskatoon.
