SAIT Trojans take decision over Red Deer Polytechnic Kings

Brent Forster – Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics

Red Deer, AB – Nobody could fault the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings' work ethic against the defending four-time Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Champions.

The Kings were within four points in the third quarter, but the SAIT Trojans used their depth Friday evening and picked up an 89-69 win at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.

"I thought we battled. They made shots in the first half," said Darren Graham, Red Deer Polytechnic Kings Basketball Head Coach. "We were just a step behind on defence. We were working hard, but they hit some big shots."

The visitors jumped out to a 47-33 lead by the half. The Trojans were successful on 42.5 per cent of their shots from the field. The Kings connected on 42.9 per cent of their field goal attempts.

King

Over two quarters, Tyronn King led RDP with 13 points. Amin Suleman scored 13 points for SAIT.

"In the third quarter, we came out really good, got some stops, hit some three's in transition, started running our offence a little more efficiently and we brought it within four," said Graham about the Kings making it 52-48. "From there, they are a good team. They hit shots. We have to give them credit for doing what they do."

The SAIT Trojans added 42 points in the second half. The Red Deer Polytechnic Kings responded with 36, and the visitors picked up the road decision.

Crespo 

King led Red Deer Polytechnic with 16 points. Eduardo Crespo and Cole Wicker scored 10 points apiece for the Kings.

First-year guard Pierce Shybunka was named the North Star Sports Kings Player of the Game, accumulating three points, three assists, two rebounds and a steal over 19 minutes.

"I thought Pierce had a gritty game. He played defence and played really well against a couple of their speedy guards that can shoot," said Graham. "He ran the offence fairly well and he knocked down some shots from the outside. I was impressed with the spark that he gave us from the bench."

Amin Suleman picked up the top performer award for the Trojans, totaling 18 points, four defensive rebounds and three assists over 27 efficient minutes.

Marcus Masters ignited the Trojans' offence with 20 points. Charlie Conner contributed at both ends, recording 18 points and 10 rebounds. Taliik Ross came off the bench to chip in with 10 points.

The RDP Kings shot 39.7 per cent from the field, 41.7 per cent from three-point range, and 62.5 per cent from the free throw line. The Trojans countered with 42.7, 36.1 and 85.7 per cent efficiency. 

"We have to regroup. We have five games left against teams that are right with us in the standings," explained Graham. "We have to make some adjustments, get some guys healthy and compete for the last five games."

The fourth place Red Deer Polytechnic Kings (6-5) will host the third seed St. Mary's University Lightning (7-5) on Saturday, February 12 at 8 pm.