Kodiaks over Kings in Lethbridge

Brent Forster - RDC, with information from Lethbridge College Athletics

Lethbridge, AB - The Lethbridge College Kodiaks Men's Basketball team led 52-44 after two quarters and despite the RDC Kings winning the second half, the Kodiaks picked up a 90-83 home victory.

With every point crucial in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Men's Basketball South Division playoff picture, both teams ratcheted up the intensity from the opening tip-off. The Kodiaks grabbed an early advantage but early foul trouble for star Lincoln Anderson forced the Kodiaks into a few unconventional rotations.

The Kings came back to take a brief lead, but back-to-back three-pointers from Lethbridge's Orin Porter Jr. helped the hosts stay even, with neither team finding separation in an action packed first quarter.

The Kodiaks found their range in the second quarter, sinking several three-pointers while building a 52-44 lead into the half.

The third quarter was back-and-forth. The Kings outmuscled the Kodiaks on the glass and managed to trim the host's lead to 68-64, entering the final quarter.

Tension was thick throughout the Val Matteotti Gym during the final quarter, with the Kodiaks unable to pull away from a determined Kings team. Red Deer pulled within two points multiple times, but the Kodiaks were able to scrap, finally pulling away with an 8-2 run with three minutes left.

Red Deer made it interesting late, draining a three off a steal to pull within five points with one minute to go. The Kings were unable to hit any late shots and the Kodiaks secured a 90-83 win.

The RDC Kings stacked up 41 rebounds while the Kodiaks picked up 39. Lethbridge College was strong from the outside and hit 43.8 per cent of its three-point attempts. 

Spencer Klassen led the way for the Kings with 23 points. Eric Bakker scored 18 points and added 8 rebounds. Malik Smith contributed 16 points and Anthony Harper picked up a double-double (15 points and 17 rebounds).

Lincoln Anderson's 22 points were the most among the Kodiaks. Orin Porter Jr. finished with 20. 

Next in 2019, the RDC Kings (4-4) will entertain the St. Mary's University Lightning (1-7) on Friday, January 4 at 8:00 p.m. at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.