Box Score CALGARY – After travelling 3,300 kilometres in three days, the BU's men's basketball team knew it would be in for a tough test against the Mount Royal Cougars Sunday afternoon, and the host Cougars weren't kind on the Bobcats, defeating them 88-78 at Kenyon Court. 

Deng Awak led the Cougars in scoring with 19 points while Mangk Akwl was second with 18. Jordan Reaves and Ilarion Bonhomme led the Bobcats with 24 and 15 points respectively.

Right from the beginning this match looked like it was going to be a close one. Brandon and Mount Royal seemed very content to run the floor as opposed to stopping and setting up an offense. Despite the up-tempo start the teams only combined for 31 points as Brandon led 16-15 after the first quarter.

With the run and gun approach the game began to be a bit sloppy so the Cougars tried to slow the pace and it began to work for them. Brandon's inside defense was impressive so the Cougars had to kick the ball out and opt for open shots. They executed it to perfection knocking down shots from outside. However they still trailed 42-37 at the half.

The Cougars went right back to the outside shot as the second half started and it gave them an edge. Deng Awak was particularly hot from three point land putting the Cougars ahead with his sharpshooting. Mount Royal's rebounding and outside shooting put them right back into the game and into the lead after three quarters 59-58.

The fourth quarter was all Cougars. Mount Royal fed off the loud Sunday afternoon crowd started to score at will on the Bobcats defenders. With two minutes left they held a ten point lead causing Brandon to start fouling and running the floor. That kind of play left gaps in their own defense and the Cougars were able to put away easy baskets. The Cougars took the fouls, made their free throws and won the match 88-78.

Mount Royal now holds a record of 4-3 and Brandon slides to 1-6.

Brandon will play the Calgary Dinos on Thursday and Friday night.

The Cougars are on their way to Kamloops next weekend for two against two matchups against Thompson Rivers. Tip-off for the first game will be at 8:00pm on Friday November, 29th.