Basket-Bears looking to rebound after B.C. losses

Pete Yee

BAKER’S DOZEN Bears rookie Jordan Baker has been an offensive constant this season, averaging 12 points per game — second best on the team.

Following two close losses this past weekend on the road against Victoria and number-two ranked UBC, the Bears basketball team will look to rebound when they host the Regina Cougars (1–3) this weekend. Sitting at 4–2 in the Canada West, the Bears hold second spot in the Prairie division, four points clear of third-place Saskatchewan.

Despite the losses on the road to a pair of tough opponents, the Bears took positives out of their weekend road swing to B.C.

“Our guys played as good defensively as they could against UBC. We had it down tied late in the game, so we’re getting close,” head coach Greg Francis stated.

Among the bright spots for the Bears this past weekend was Jordan Baker, who dropped 15 and 14 points, each good for team highs against UBC and Victoria. Also standing out for the Bears was Scott Leigh, who amassed five assists, nine points and four rebounds against Victoria.

Jamaal Bucknor and Sahr Saffa also hit double-digits in points in each contest.

“Jamaal’s been consistent all year, he’s a competitive force inside. The last two weekends have been a coming-out party for Sahr. He’s really matured defensively, and is playing well for us on both sides of the ball.”

Compared to UBC, a perennial basketball powerhouse, Regina may not look imposing. Still, the Cougars flaunt some players to watch out for. Kris Heshka is leading the team with offensively, averaging 12.5 points per game and is averaging nearly a double-double. Paul Schubach and Sterling Nostedt can dial it up from beyond the arc, while Jamal Williams has been solid as well, averaging 11.5 points and 6 rebounds per game. Jeff Lukomskil, in particular, is on a hot streak, having netted a season-high 25 points in a recent Regina loss to Trinity Western.

Shutting down Heshka and Williams will be a key defensively for the Green and Gold.

“[Heshka] is definitely a tough inside player. Williams is also a versatile player and can knock down big shots for them,” Francis said.

Alberta has answers of their own on the offensive end of the floor for the Cougars' sharp shooters. Harvey Bradford, who knocked down 12 points in an exhibition against Gonzaga earlier in the season, routinely scores in the double-digit range.

“He’s the heart and soul of our team; his toughness brings us together. He has the sort of experience that makes the younger guys on the team play better,” Francis said.

The Bears also have been one of the conference's best defensive squads through six games this season, ranking third in the Canada West defensively by giving up a stingy 65.7 points per game.

With two wins, the Bears, at the very worst will keep themselves tied atop the ultra-competitive Canada West.

“We're getting to a point in the year where we want to see us get better each week. Playing hard and consistent is something that we need to do all game if we are going to pick up two wins against Regina.”

The Bears begin play this Friday at 8 p.m. in the Main Gym, and then tip off game two of the doubleheader at the same time on Saturday. The games can also be heard online at www.bears.ualberta.ca.