Golden Bears and Pandas Basketball sweep weekend vs Brandon University

The University of Alberta basketball programs put together a perfect weekend at the Saville Centre, sweeping all four games against the Brandon University Bobcats. The Bears had to work for theirs, but the Pandas handled business early. Both teams walked away looking like groups on the rise.

Golden Bears find wins

Friday night gave the Bears the most exciting finish of the season. Alberta and Brandon traded buckets all game, but with the score tied at 89 and time expiring, Isaac Simon burst through the paint and sunk an and-one layup to seal a 92-89 win. He finished with 22 points, and that final bucket had Saville Centre booming.

Saturday wasn’t any easier. The Bears fell behind by 10 in the second quarter before settling in. Caiden Kushnir delivered a massive performance with 19 points and 16 rebounds, while Kyle Varner added 20. Alberta chipped away, slowly took control, and closed out an 89-81 win to move to 5-1 on the season.

It wasn’t always clean, but the Bears showed real composure down the stretch in both games. First-year head coach Geoff Pippus is showing that these group is learning how to win tight ones.

Pandas stay perfect

Where the Bears leaned on late-game magic, the Pandas simply overwhelmed Brandon.

On Friday, Alberta went on a 30-0 run in the first and second quarters. By halftime, they had a comfortable lead, but they didn’t stop fighting. Fourth-year guard Kiah Easton-Ihediohanma dropped 21 points in a 91-53 win.

Saturday looked similar. The Pandas jumped out to a 30-11 lead after one quarter and dominated all night. Easton-Ihediohanma, again, scored 21, and Mishynn Miller posted her first career double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Alberta pulled off a 96-70 win to stay undefeated at 6-0.

This dominance is why the Pandas were ranked number two in the most recent U Sports rankings. This team continues to prove that they are a force to be reckoned with. They find themselves ranked behind only the Saskatchewan Huskies, who they face in January.

A complete weekend

Between Simon’s clutch finish, Kushnir’s huge double-double, and back-to-back blowouts by the Pandas, it was a statement weekend for both programs.

The Bears look like a team learning to close.

The Pandas look ready to compete with anyone.