BRANDON – The Brandon Bobcats picked up an 83-73 win over the Manitoba Bisons, and in doing so marked a big first for the program.
 
The win clinches a playoff spot for the Bobcats. It's the first time the team has done so since joining the Canada West conference in 1999.
 
The win gives Brandon a record of 8-11, which is also the most wins in a single season since joining the Canada West conference, and the most conference wins since 1984 when the 'Cats went 10-6 as members of the Great Plains Athletic Conference.
 
Mikaela Stanton started things with a bang for Brandon, putting up 14 points in the first half.
 
Both teams ran the press trying often in the first half, the Bisons forcing the Bobcats to commit 12 turnovers in the first half, but the 'Cats out-rebounded the Bisons 22-16.
 
Keisha Cox saw her first action to start the third quarter, and she made an immediate impact hitting two three-pointers on her first two shots.
 
The Bobcats started to pull away in the fourth as Cox iced it by forcing a steal in the last 30 seconds before hitting a breakaway lay-up. Cox then stole the inbounds pass, turned and hit another lay-up and was fouled on the play. Cox picked up five points in seven seconds to close the game, finishing the contest with 17 points and six steals.
 
Stanton led the Bobcats in scoring with 18 points, while Adrianna Proulx and Amy Williams each had 12 points, and Kinsley Ransom finished with 10 points.
 
The Bisons were led by Emma Thompson's game-high 19 points, while Rebecca Potter put up 14 points and Brittanie Parisien finished with 12 points.
 
The loss drops Manitoba's record to 2-15.

The two teams will meet again to complete the weekend series on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 pm. 
 
The Bobcats will enjoy a bye next weekend, which is the final weekend of Canada West regular play. The Bisons will welcome Mount Royal for a pair of games to close out the season.