MBB Weekend Recap | February 15 & 16, 2019

The Lakeland Rustlers men's basketball team faced the NAIT Ooks over the weekend, with the Rustlers looking to find their stride before playoffs in two weeks.

Friday night, the Rustlers hosted the Ooks, in what was a close game until the fourth quarter. The Rustlers led 18-15 after the first quarter, and the Ooks knocked down some three-pointers in the first half to only trail 33-28 at the half.

Lakeland came out with lots of energy on both sides of the ball to start the second half, forcing the Ooks into bad shots and turnovers. The Rustlers were able to extend their lead to double digits after the third quarter, leading 58-48. In the fourth quarter, the Rustlers pulled away, taking the game 81-59.

Second-year guard Rashon Russell led the Rustlers with 21 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. Player of the game for the Rustlers was third-year guard Brandon Isaac, who finished the game with 15 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals.

The Rustlers were in Edmonton Saturday night looking to complete the sweep of the Ooks. Lakeland got out to an early lead, in what was a high scoring first quarter. Leading 24-22 after the first quarter, the Rustlers would go on to open up a 16-point lead at the half, holding the Ooks to just 11 second-quarter points.

At the half, the Rustlers led 49-33. In the second half, the Ooks were able to cut into the Rustlers lead with physical play and lots of energy. After three quarters, Lakeland led NAIT 69-58. The Rustlers were able to hold on in the fourth quarter and come away with the 91-84 win.

The Rustlers were led by fourth-year forward Artavis Holiday with 19 points and 7 rebounds, earning him player of the game. Isaac added 17 points, 3 assists and 3 steals for the Rustlers, who also got 17 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals from third-year guard Adrian Richards.

The Rustlers now sit at 12-10, good for 4th in the ACAC North Division with two games remaining. In the final games of the regular season, the Rustlers will face the 13-9 University of Alberta – Augustana Vikings. The teams will face off in Camrose Friday night, with the rematch Saturday night at 8 pm in Lloydminster.