The Briercrest men’s basketball team faced SAIT on Friday October, 31. Briercrest’s Penner took the first point as the beginning of the quarter started. SAIT pushed forward and took the lead 3-9. SAIT, playing hard on defence built the score against Briercrest to 14-7. Briercrest struggled to keep up with SAIT’s defence at 7-21 for SAIT ending the first quarter.

The second quarter began with Briercrest striving for rebounds and quick passes and fighting to get baskets. SAIT were ready to play and  moved fast and aggressively. SAIT took a time out after Ryan Penner shot a three-pointer. Josh Tippe played with aggression and determination giving strong passes to his teammates. Julian Apakoh came in for a layup putting Briercrest at 14 and SAIT with 35. SAIT took a timeout after Taran Garchinski puts in another layup, cutting the SAIT lead to 16-35. The first half concludes with SAIT leading 41-16.

The third quarter began with Apakoh shooting a three and Briercrest playing more aggressive. SAIT continued to play hard defence by blocking out the key and taking rebounds maintaining their lead at  21-41 for SAIT. Briercrest’s Josh Klassen took a foul and brought at the score to 32-57 for SAIT.

The fourth quarter began with Briercrest hoping to make a comeback forcing in shots and diving for rebounds. SAIT continued to press strong, staying in the lead 65-26. Briercrest took a timeout at 70-38 for SAIT. Briercrest worked on powering through defence and pushing to get more shots at the net during the fourth courter, but SAIT played strong and forceful. Theo Block took a foul after being hit in the arm shooting a three. Keon Bennett pressed through for a layup and made the shot. With two minutes left in the fourth quarter Briercrest persevered by ripping rebounds from the net and pushing to get shots. Theo Block and Taran Garchinski both made three-point shots near the end of the game. SAIT claimed a win with 86-57 on the score board. Brendan Adrian took Player of the Game honours for Briercrest with one steal, three rebounds, and six points. SAIT took Briercrest in every aspect of the game with 22-10 assists, 10-8 steals, 3-0 blocks, and 63-28 rebounds.

Leaders for Briercrest were Julian Apakoh with a team high nine points, and seven rebounds, Keon Bennett with four assists, and Jared Wicks with three steals.

Briercrest and SAIT play again tomorrow, November 1 at 3:00 pm at the Margaret P. Reimer Memorial Gymnasium.

If you can’t make it to the next game be sure to watch online at acac.tv.

For up to date information on the Briercrest Basketball team, Like the "Briercrest Basketball" Facebook page.