For three quarters of their game with UBC on Saturday, the Dinos looked inept, unsure, and tentative … and then … a light went on and the home team went on a tear, cutting an 11 pt. Thunderbird lead and pulling ahead 62-61 on a brilliant drive and consequent 3 pt. play from Tyler Fidler.

From there Calgary held onto the lead for the final 3 minutes with key baskets from Henry Bekkering and Robbie Sihota, while UBC’s scoring efforts were limited by a more aggressive Dinos defense. Calgary was led by a 20 point and 14 rebound game from Ross Bekkering, who consistently soared above the crowd to snare possession off errant T’Bird attempts. Jeff Price chipped in 17 points and 5 rebounds, Tyler Fidler scored 16 with 5 boards, and Robbie Sihota had 14 pts. and 5 rebounds.

At the half UBC was up 36 - 22, as the Dinos could only manage a paltry 8-37 … 22% from the floor. The second half was much better as Calgary hit 46% … 17-37. Foul shooting was a weakness once again as the Dinos hit on only 17 of 30 from the line. The rebounding was even for the game UC 39 - UBC - 38. A big crowd of 2020 enjoyed the spirited comeback, as Calgary’s intensity on defense turned the game in their favour.

While neither game was an artistic masterpiece, the Dinos did come away from the opening weekend with two wins against the top teams in the Pacific Division. They are tied with Alberta for first in the Central Division, as the Bears beat Fraser Valley 88 - 62 in Abbotsford Saturday. Saskatchewan evened their record at 1-1 with a 102 - 79 win at Thompson Rivers. Lethbridge lost 68-54 to Victoria, and the ‘Horns fall to 0-2.

Calgary hits the road for games at Simon Fraser Friday, Nov. 9 and at Trinity Western Saturday, the 10th. Much progress will need to be made if the Dinos are to win consistently on the road, as this type of come from behind win is rare when you travel in Canada West.

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