Kodiaks Steal Close Match in Medicine Hat

The Kodiaks Men's team hoped for a better fate in the Snake Pit than their women's team counterparts. The Rattlers had other ideas as they came out hard scoring points on their first three possessions. Lethbridge came back with 4 points off Rattler Turnovers to close the lead to one. Jon Sappleton appeared to injure his ankle while scoring a difficult put-back. Toughing through the pain Sappleton continued to run the rattlers offence unable to get off the floor. This opened up a door for the Kodiaks who used this opportunity to take the lead. At this point neither team had control of the game with both teams scoring and the game remaining close. Justin King came off the Bench for the Rattlers with 6 points in 2 minutes helping the Rattlers close the gap. The Kodiaks were able to score last second and take a 25-20, 5-point lead into the break.

This Kodiak lead did not diminish quickly in the second half as the teams matched score for score at both ends. This continued through the first three minutes of the second quarter. Midway through the quarter the Rattlers tied the game back up on an unsporting foul called on the Kodiaks.  This play continued throughout the quarter as both Kodiaks and Rattlers tried to gain an advantage somewhere in the game. Medicine Hat used their ball handlers and guards to create space and scoring chances, the Kodiaks used ball movement in attempt to create space inside for their big men. Neither strategy worked better as the Rattlers Held a 2-point edge, up 47-45. 

The third quarter started off with an injury to Kodiak Guard Tom Johnson. He was helped off with assistance and appeared to have a lower body injury. Rattler Aaron Cameron was again starting to heat up in the second half. A solid drive, followed by a 3 pointer and an assist on 3 straight plays. The Kodiaks kept pace with the Rattlers and had an answer to every big Rattler play. Any momentum gained by either team seemed to be quickly squashed by the other. Kodiak forward Colten Murray was a big reason for Lethbridge to be keeping pace with the Rattler offence. Neither team was as successful on the defensive end of the court allowing too many points form each team's main offensive weapons. As such the 3^rd quarter ended in a 74-74 deadlock.

The 4^th quarter started with a Hard Foul from Kodiak Daniel Lybbert on Rattler Aaron Cameron. This fired up the Rattlers on the defensive side of the ball where Osato Obaseki came up with a huge block and Jon Sappelton taking a charge. This allowed the Rattlers to take the lead on the other end of the court. This lead was short lived as the Kodiaks came roaring back to take a 3-point lead on the shoulders of guard Michael Clemons and Forward Colten Murray. Teams traded deep 3's as each team tried to find an edge. A physical Battle broke out in what was a relatively clean game. Both teams started taking the ball to the rim and drawing contact and fouls. Both Teams Head Coaches were visibly upset at some of the inconsistency in calls on the floor. This was evident from the frustration in both team's voices and demeanor. The Kodiaks Finished off the Game on a hot streak winning 107-101. Colten Murray Finished 9/10 with 26 points helping the Kodiaks take the game.