BRANDON - Despite an 11 point lead going into the half, the Brandon Bobcats couldn't hold on falling to the Winnipeg Wesmen Thursday night 92-76.

Winnipeg went on an early run, leading Brandon 24-19 after the first quarter. The Bobcats bounced back in the second, outscoring the Wesmen 23-7, giving the 'Cats a 42-31 lead going in to the half. The Wesmen battled back in the third narrowing the Bobcats lead to three points entering the final frame.

The Wesmen started the fourth quarter on an 11-2 run, extending their lead before clinching the victory.

Kerri Kuzbyt was lights out for the Wesmen, shooting 10-11 from the floor including a perfect 7-7 from beyond the arc. The third-year guard notched 31 points and four rebounds on the evening.

Megan Noonan added 17 points and grabbed seven boards.

Kaela Cranston led the Bobcats with 18 points, shooting 4-5 from three, and five rebounds. Amy Williams added a double-double with 13 points and 12 boards.

Bobcats head coach Novel Thomas acknowledged the impact Kuzbyt's impressive performance had on his team.

"When somebody has an almost perfect game, you need somebody to stand up to prevent her from getting any more three's, or stand up to her as a team to stop her from having shooting opportunities," says Thomas.

Looking forward to the rematch on Saturday night, Thomas remains optimistic that his team will return for a more composed showing against the powerful Winnipeg team.

"They're a three-point shooting team.  They're good.  We just need to have the composure, never too high, never too low. It's a team-building experience," added Thomas.

The win brings Winnipeg's record to 7-6, while the Bobcats fall to 3-12.

Both teams will face off again Saturday afternoon in Winnipeg, with tipoff happening at 2pm at the Duckworth Centre.