WINNIPEG – The Brandon Bobcats pulled off the upset of the season on Friday night at Investors Group Athletic Centre, coming back from 15 points down in the fourth quarter to top the No. 9 Manitoba Bisons 90-87.

The win also clinches a playoff spot for Brandon, who improve to 6-13 on the year. Manitoba falls to 15-4, but will still have a chance for a first-round bye in the playoffs with a win Saturday.

Rookie Anthony Tsegakele came alive in the second half, recording 22 of his 24 points in the final 20 minutes to lead all scorers. Senior Jaleel Webb — who finished with 19 points — also nailed a clutch three to give the Bobcats a late lead that they wouldn't relinquish. Manitoba was paced by Rashawn Browne's double-double with 20 points and 12 assists. 

"These guys have grinded hard all season," Bobcats head coach Gil Cheung said postgame.

"To do it the way we did with multiple first-years on the floor and to get one for Jaleel, our lone fifth-year feels amazing. It was also special getting to experience this moment with my son in the crowd."

There were seven combined treys in a fast paced and high scoring opening period.

Guard Dominique Dennis had two threes for Brandon and led his team with eight points. Manitoba — who shot 66 percent from beyond the arc — countered with three combined shots from distance from Rashawn Browne and James Wagner, as the two combined for 15 points in a 26-17 lead.

Haashim Wallace's offensive intensity driving to the lane helped opened up other players for Brandon, as they cut Manitoba's lead to 35-30 with four minutes to play. Dennis continued to rain down threes, recording two more in the quarter for a team-leading 14 points at the break. 

Manitoba's well-rounded defensive play and transition game swung momentum late. They went on a 10-3 run in the final two minutes — recording five first half steals — and led 49-36 at the break.

Four different players had at least eight points for the Bisons, including ten from guard Riki Zimbakov, who started for an unavailable Keiran Zziwa. Six of Zimbakov's points came from distance, where his 46 percent efficiency is second in the conference. 

After being held to just two points in the first half, Tsegakele found his groove in the third, recording nine points including a triple. For as good as he was however, Browne was just as solid, adding ten points including two treys while also contributing ten assists and two steals as Manitoba led 74-59 entering the fourth.

Brandon came alive in the final period, coming all the way back to take an 86-85 lead with two minutes left on a massive three from Webb. The clutch shot was set up by a Tsegakele rebound, who would increase Brandon's lead to three shortly after. 

Manitoba battled back with a Cam O'Hara basket which was followed by an Arruda rebound, however Browne was called for an offensive foul with 20 seconds left that ended the Herd's chance for a late comeback.

"We've been in lots of close games this year so it feels amazing to come out with this victory and make the playoffs, especially in my final year," added Webb.

"When the ball came to me I just knew I had to make it count and do my job."

The two teams will be back at it Saturday night.