Men's Basketball Weekend Recap | January 21, 2018
The Lakeland Rustlers Men's Basketball team split their weekend series against the Keyano Huskies in Fort McMurray on the weekend. Friday night, the Rustlers beat the Huskies 67-60. Saturday afternoon, the Huskies defeated the Rustlers, 83-67.
The Rustlers came out to a quick start Friday, opening up a 6-0 lead in the opening minutes of the game. The Rustlers extended their lead to 10-2 and led 20-13 after one. The teams went back and forth to start the second quarter before the Rustles opened up an eleven point lead. The Huskies cut the Rustlers lead to four with less than two minutes in the half, but the Rustlers responded and led by eight at halftime.
The Rustlers started the second half strong, building 14 and 16 point leads, forcing the Huskies to call a timeout. The teams traded baskets to end the quarter, as the Rustlers lead 50-38 after three. The Huskies cut the Rustlers lead to three in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, but could never get any closer, as the Rustlers came out with the 67-60 win.
The Rustlers were led by third year forward Artavis Holiday with 16 points, ten rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Fourth year forward Prentice Gardner added 15 points, eight rebounds, six assists, four steals and a block for the Rustlers.
Saturday afternoon, the two teams came out trading baskets and did so for much of the first quarter, with the Huskies leading 22-19 after one. The Huskies built a five-point lead in the opening seconds of the second quarter, which the Rustlers quickly erased, taking a one-point lead of their own. The two teams went back and forth for the rest of the quarter, with both teams scoring 20 points in the second. At the half, the Huskies had a 42-39 lead over the Rustlers.
The Huskies went on a 12-0 run to start the third quarter, as the Rustlers found themselves down 15 halfway through the quarter. The Rustlers struggled in the third quarter, being down as many as 17 and getting outscored by 11. The Rustlers got within eight points of the Huskies in the fourth quarter, but could not get any closer, losing the game 83-67.
The Rustlers were led by Gardner with 23 points, five rebounds, and two steals. Fourth year guard Terrell Murdaugh added 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals for the Rustlers.
The Rustlers return to the court next weekend, January 26th & 27th, as they return home to face the Grande Prairie Wolves. Games are set to tip off at 8:00 pm on the 26th and 3:00 pm on the 27th.