Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics

LETHBRIDGE – When coaches talk about chasing games, this would be the textbook version of what they're referring to.

Never once did the Griffins men's basketball team hold the lead against the Lethbridge Pronghorns on Saturday, trailing by 21 points after the first quarter before eventually falling 87-50.

"The first quarter killed us again," said head coach Mike Connolly, whose squad was outscored 31-10 in the first 10 minutes. "We had trouble scoring again, shooting 24 per cent.

"We played much better defensively in the second half and only allowed 35 points. It was a better effort tonight, but we are still a long ways away from playing to our potential."

With the result, the Griffins finish the first semester at 0-6, while Lethbridge improves to 3-5.

Colton Halbersma led the Griffins with 15 points and six rebounds in just 17 minutes of action on Saturday, while Matthew Osunde, who also came off the bench, chipped in 12.

It was Halbersma's best game of his Griffins career.

"Colton scored and shot the ball well all weekend when everyone else struggled," said Connolly. "But more importantly, he defended and rebounded the ball well. He got after it and was the bright light of our weekend."

Next up for the Griffins is a home series vs. Alberta on Jan. 14-15.