Hasty shot leaves win out of reach for Griffins

Top Performers:

Lethbridge College: Dom Coward-25 points, 11 rebounds, 3 steals

Grant MacEwan University: Marcus Shafer- 25 points, 5 rebounds

By Shannon Findlay

Edmonton, AB— Fifteen seconds remain on the clock in the fourth quarter as Grant MacEwan University Griffin’s take possession. They’ve held a close game to their opponents from the south, Lethbridge College Kodiaks, but have yet to see the lead. Needing only three points to tie the game, Grant MacEwan’s Marcus Shafer fly’s down the court, pulls up two feet before the three point line and takes a wild, aimless shot. The hasty throw is anything but close, and the rebound is snatched up by the Kodiaks. Griffin’s watch their one chance of tying up the game disappear as Grant MacEwan is forced to foul giving Kodiak player Jordan Reiter two easy free throws for a  final score of 89-84.

The weekend trip to the north saw Kodiaks win not only against Grant MacEwan, but also against Keyano College Friday night. Lethbridge’s Logan Reiter says the team knew beating the Griffins would not be easy.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game because they’re the top team in the north and it’s tough to come on the road and travel that much and then play a team that tough, said Reiter. “We were lucky to come out with a win.”

Leading the scoring for Kodiaks with 25 points was this year’s new addition to the team Dom Coward. The 6’6 Airdire native is no stranger to the basketball scene. During the 2008/2009 season he played for the University of Calgary, and just this summer he committed to both Red Deer College and Mount Royal University, before choosing to play in Lethbridge. Coward’s experience in Canada West has definitely been an advantage for the Kodiak team.

Matching Coward’s points was Griffins Marcus Shafer.  The second year had his highest scoring game of the season hitting seven three’s for 21 of his total 25 points. Schafer went 7 for 10 from the 3-point line. Despite this record, the final shot to tie the game was in the thirty per cent that he missed.

The Kodiaks win leaves them with a 7-1 record overall. The win will help solidify or advance their sixth place ranking nationally. As for the Griffins, the weekend loss leaves them with a 5-3 record.