Wicker and Kings strike Lightning at Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre

Brent Forster - Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics

Red Deer, AB – Once the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings captured a lead throughout the opening half, they couldn't be caught. 

The Kings had a strong defensive third quarter, limiting the St. Mary's University Lightning to a single digit in the frame and earning a 76-64 home win. 

"The star of our game was our team defence," said Darren Graham, Red Deer Polytechnic Kings Basketball Head Coach. "We held them to 64 points and in the second quarter, they had seven points. St. Mary's had a tough task - that was their third game in four nights, so they were a bit depleted."

At the half, the RDP Kings held a 37-25 edge. 

Red Deer Polytechnic's Eduardo Crespo sank 12 points by the break. St. Mary's Caleb Jipp, who had another strong performance, also scored 12 points. 

Crespo (12)

The Kings had some size out of the lineup, including some student-athletes not able to play at 100 per cent. 

"We had some injuries - Kevin Szymanek couldn't play tonight. Payton Baltzer was limited in his ability to play, but he actually ended up playing 20 minutes. He gave us some solid minutes defensively," explained Graham.

"He grounds our game like an anchor to keep us calm. He was important coming off the bench. Kirklan Hall received a hard hit off of a screen and I don't think he was really the same in the second half." 

Baltzer (8)

The teams were even in the latter half with both sides sinking 39 points. The Kings retained their 12 point edge, sealing the victory. 

"We were down men and some other guys stepped up and had some really gritty performances," said Graham. "It was a W that we needed and ultimately we got it." 

Chilliwack's Cole Wicker was celebrated as the North Star Sports Kings Player of the Game. 

"Cole came off the bench, played 29 minutes, had 16 points and was four-from-nine from three," said Graham. "He was the attack on their zone defence with outside shooting. That was big in attacking their zone."

Wicker added six rebounds, one assist and a block.

Wicker (14)

Crespo was a catalyst for the home team. 

"Eduardo was the leader on the court. Ty had a bit of a down night. He had five points and his shots weren't falling," stated Graham. "Eduardo was attacking the rim and had 19 points. That was fantastic." 

Crespo added 11 rebounds, six assists and two steals.

Six-foot-five Brett Hochhausen, a Business Administration Marketing student, added 12 points for the Polytechnic. 

Hochhausen (23)

Kamal Pennant received the top player award for the Lightning, totaling eight points, eight rebounds, three steals and one assist over 34 minutes. 

Caleb Jipp played an impactful game, recording 27 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals for the Lightning.

The Kings shot 38 per cent from the field. The Lightning were successful on 34.8 per cent of their field goal attempts.

"We need to rest and recover, leading into next week because we have a rematch with the Lightning," said Graham of the February 19 matchup against St. Mary's. 

The Red Deer Polytechnic Kings (7-5) will challenge the Broncos (4-8) at Olds College on Friday, February 18 at 8 pm.