Eskandarkhah and Kings defeat Clippers, seal playoff spot after amazing run

Brent Forster - RDC

Caronport, SK - The host Briercrest College Clippers opened strongly with 31 points in the first-quarter, but the Red Deer College Kings elevated their game and won the final three quarters, finalizing a 99-71 decision. The Kings finished the regular season on a marvelous run, winning eight consecutive games to propel themselves into the playoffs.

The RDC Kings Player-of-the-Game Barzin Eskandarkhah led the way with 22 points. The six-foot-six guard from Toronto added four rebounds and two assists, while connecting on nine of 16 from the field.

Barzin Eskandarkhah (13) Pic - Tony Hansen

Kevin Szymanek had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.  Ramiro Martinez Quintanilla Jimenez contributed 15 points and five rebounds. 

As a team, the Kings shot 86.4 per cent from the free-throw line and 48 per cent from the field. RDC was the stronger group on the boards (34-26).

Cody White (6) had 11 points. Pic - Colby Brochu Photography

The Clippers responded with 60 per cent from the line and 49.1 per cent from the field. 

Richard Wendel was named the Clippers Player-of-the-Game in his final outing in a Briercrest uniform. Wendel had three rebounds. 

With the victory, the Kings finished the regular season 13-8, moving them into second in the south and a berth in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Men's Basketball Championship.

SAIT (20-1) finished first in the south with 40 points. Medicine Hat College (13-8) wrapped up third. Although the Rattlers were even with the Kings in points (26), RDC won the season series, taking two of the three conference games (90-87, 76-103 and 94-91). Ambrose University (12-9) captured the final playoff spot in the south with 24 points. It looks like the Kings will face the University of Alberta Augustana Vikings (14-9) in the first game at the championship. The Vikings wrapped up third in the north with 28 points, with one more game to play against Lakeland College Saturday evening, but it won't affect the standings.

The ACAC Men's Basketball Championship will take place from February 28 to March 2. Lakeland College is hosting the event.