Damilola Osuma corrals the ball and looks for an opening against Saskatchewan on Saturday (Electric Umbrella photo).
Damilola Osuma corrals the ball and looks for an opening against Saskatchewan on Saturday (Electric Umbrella photo).
November 12, 2023

Rebounding, defensive woes cost Griffins in loss to Huskies

Box Score

MacEwan Athletics

SASKATOON, Sask. – They lost the offensive rebounding battle and struggled on defence as the MacEwan Griffins men's basketball team suffered an 81-55 loss to the Saskatchewan Huskies on Saturday night.

"We didn't play well," said Griffins head coach Mike Connolly. "We got killed on the offensive glass and our defence wasn't focused."

The game was in complete contrast to Friday's opening match of the series when the Griffins were within six before losing by 17, but it was a much closer game than that.

Saturday, however, was only close for a brief time. After Saskatchewan went on a 9-0 run to open the contest, MacEwan hit back with a 9-2 run of their own, but were unable to keep it close for too much longer.

Eventually, the Huskies led by 15 after the first quarter and by 21 at the half.

"They had 11 offensive rebounds that set the tone and really killed us," said Connolly. "They also shot the ball well and made some threes when our defence broke down.

"Then we used the opportunity to get some guys some playing time. We rested some guys who played big minutes. Overall, they beat us in all aspects."

Matthew Osunde led the Griffins with 20 points, while Justace Byam chipped in 10, and Damilola Osuma had eight points and 10 boards.

Saskatchewan got 25 points from Alexander Dewar and 10 from Easton Thimm, while their bench outscored MacEwan's bench 35-10.

The Griffins are now 0-4 on the campaign, while the Huskies improve to 3-1. 

MacEwan stays on the road next weekend as they travel to Prince George, B.C. for matches against UNBC on Nov. 17-18.