Rattlers over Kings by 3 points in Medicine Hat

Still working with a short bench, the Red Deer College Kings Basketball team faced a tough Medicine Hat College Rattlers squad on the road. The Kings kept the game close for much of the contest but the Rattlers eventually won 76-73.

Only 1 point separated the 2 teams in the 1st half as Medicine Hat slightly led 41-40.  The Rattlers outscored the Kings 35-33 in the 2nd half for the 76-73 home victory.

Matt Matear was named the Kings player-of-the-game. The Business Administration student contributed 18 points, 1 steal, 1 assist and 7 rebounds. Ian Tevis totalled 23 points, 2 steals, 2 assists and 6 rebounds for RDC.

Salissou Abdoul Kader led the Rattlers with 18 points. Kader also added 4 steals, 1 block and 8 rebounds.

Kings Head Coach Clayton Pottinger liked the effort for the majority of the game.

"We handled a top team for most of the game," said Pottinger. "We got a little complacent and can use this as a learning opportunity."

The Medicine Hat College Rattlers Men's Basketball team is ranked 3rd in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). They are the top ranked team from the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC). 

As a team, the Kings made 36.1% of their field goals, 33.3% of their 3-point-attempts and connected on 56.5% of their free throws. The RDC Kings (8-4), Medicine Hat College Rattlers (8-2) and Lethbridge College Kodiaks (8-2) are tied for top spot in the ACAC Men's Basketball South Division with 16 points.

The same 2 teams face each other Saturday at 3:00 p.m. in an afternoon rematch.