Bisons men’s basketball lead assistant coach, Elijah Lostracco, has stated that the team refocused and adjusted its game plan, a move that helped them secure an away win against the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns.
“I think we just came out in that game with a completely different mindset”, said Lostracco. “We came out way more physical, way more locked in on defense. We definitely set the tone defensively early in the game and physically just using our size to our advantage, getting the ball in the paint, getting great shots for our team and just sharing the ball a lot more than we did the night before. And then that just carried over throughout the game. They made the little run in the late third, early fourth, but we were just able to weather the storm and continue to get good shots for our guys.”
He explained why every win during the season matters and how each win can help a team earn the right to host playoff games. “The way our league is this year, there’s no team that has a massive advantage over anybody else. Every night, any team can win. So, every victory is huge. […] I think, just that mindset every night that every game is crucial […] is super important.”
After seven games, Lostracco reflected on how the season is unfolding, even at this early stage. “It’s had its ups and downs for sure. I think we had high expectations for ourselves this year and I don’t want to say we haven’t lived up to them yet because the season [is] still early, but we’ve definitely learned some tough lessons early on — being four and three, dropping a few games [where] we know we could have played better. I think […] it’s just made us a better team in the long run learning from those losses.”
He previewed the upcoming game against the University of Calgary Dinos. He said the Bisons will be ready and focused on their opponent. “Calgary is always a really tough match. They’re always one of the top programs in Canada West and they’re kind of in the same position as us. They are [four and two], I believe we’re four and three.
“They’re hosting nationals this year so they’re in it for the long run […] It’s just going to be a dog fight. Everyone’s fighting for [a] playoff position. Every team has taken some tough losses early on in the year. We have the weekend to watch film on them and just rest and regroup for that matchup. Hopefully that plays into our advantage, but it’s going to be a tough game for sure.”
The Bisons men’s basketball team will host the University of Calgary Dinos on Friday, Nov. 28 at 8 p.m. CT, and Saturday, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. CT at the Investors Group Athletic Centre.
