MBB Weekend Recap | February 1 & 2, 2019
Friday night in Edmonton, the Rustlers took an early lead and never looked back. Lakeland came out strong on both ends of the floor, taking an 11-0 lead early in the first quarter. The Eagles eventually found the bottom of the basket midway through the quarter, but the Rustlers still led 27-7 after the first quarter. The two teams played each other even for the remaining three quarters, exchanging baskets and each team having their share of small runs. The Rustlers extended their lead to 23 points ,at the half and came away with the 102-82 win.
The Rustlers were led by fourth-year forward Artavis Holiday who finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds, earning him player of the game. Second-year forward Abraham Murray added 17 points and 6 rebounds for the Rustlers, while third-year guard Brandon Isaac added 22 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals off the bench.
It was a fast pace, high scoring first quarter Saturday night Lloydminster, as both teams came out were knocking down shots and looking to score. The Rustlers led for most of the quarter, but a late push by the Eagles gave them the 28-26 lead after the first. The Eagles would go on to extend their lead to 6 to start the second, but the Rustlers would cut it to one midway through the quarter. Lakeland was not able to take the lead at all in the second quarter and trailed 41-39 at the half.
To start the second half, the Eagles extended their lead to 10 before the Rustlers would go on a run. Lakeland would outscore Kings 23-5 over the final 7:14 of the third quarter, taking a 62-54 lead into the fourth. The Eagles made a push in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Rustlers by 3 in the final 10 minutes, but Lakeland was able to hang on and come away with the 75-50 win.
Holiday led the way for the Rustlers once again, finishing with 26 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks. Player of the game for the Rustlers was Brandon Isaac, who finished with 16 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and a block.
The Rustlers now sit 4th in the ACAC North Division with a 10-10 record with 4 games remaining in the regular season. Lakeland will have next weekend off before returning to the court Friday February 15th in Lloydminster, as they take on the NAIT Ooks at 8:00 pm.