Kings push undefeated Kodiaks to overtime

Brent Forster - RDC

Red Deer, AB – The Red Deer College Kings matched the undefeated Lethbridge College Kodiaks shot-for-shot over 40 minutes. However, in overtime the Kodiaks' shooters got on a roll. They put up 21 points and eventually picked up a 96-85 win.

After an even opening quarter (19-19), the RDC Kings captured a three point edge at the half (35-32). 

Spencer Klassen led both teams with 14 points at the break. Orin Porter had eight for the Kodiaks.

Lethbridge College gained the three points back in the latter half (43-40) and extra time was needed when the teams sat even (75-75) at the final horn.

Lethbridge College's Timothy McMahon was near perfect in the extra frame. McMahon scored 11 points, connecting on three-of-four free-throws and three out of three field goals, including a pair from beyond the arc. 

"Ultimately we competed hard for 95 per cent of the game," says Darren Graham, Kings Head Coach. "I thought we played excellent defence for four quarters and unfortunately they scored 21 points in the five minutes of overtime. It was kind of ironic because the thing that kept us in the game, great defence over four quarters, kind of let us down in the end."

Spencer Klassen earned the Collegiate Sports Medicine Kings Player-of-the-Game. The fifth-year from Red Deer accumulated 28 points, 12 rebounds and two steals. Timothy McMahon picked up the Kodiaks' award, contributing 21 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals in only 24 minutes played.

"I liked Spencer Klassen's game," says Graham. "One thing that doesn't get much credit on his behalf is he's matching up against great scorers on the other team, and he's playing great defence."

Reno, Nevada's Jouvon Edison sank nine points and added six rebounds in 27 minutes. Anthony Harper, a Business Administration student, had 12 points and five boards. 

Jouvon Edison (12) had four defensive and two offensive rebounds

"Jouvon Edison had a solid weekend, where he played steady minutes on the offensive and defensive end," says Graham. "Anthony Harper had a little bit of new role tonight. He came off the bench and I thought he gave us some really good life."

Anthony Harper (4) had a pair of triples

Six-foot-four forward Kevin Szymanek recorded six points, two rebounds and one steal in 35 minutes. 

"Kevin Szymanek had a gusty performance defensively. He really battled hard against a guy that scores 20 points a game and he held him well below his average tonight," says Graham. "I was impressed with Kevin's game."

Kevin Szymanek (11) made three-of-four from the field

The visitors held a slight edge on the boards (55-52).

Over 45 minutes, the Kings were 36.9 per cent successful from the field. The Kodiaks hit 39.2 per cent of their field goal attempts.

"Ultimately, they are an undefeated team - tied for first place," says Graham. "They are a nationally ranked team, so I guess we have to be proud that we are evolving to the place where we are competitive with those teams." 

The Kodiaks are ranked eighth in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).

The RDC Kings (3-3) will entertain the Briercrest College Clippers (2-3) on Friday, November 22 at 8:00 p.m. The Lethbridge College Kodiaks (7-0) will host the St. Mary's University Lightning (3-5) on Saturday, November 23 at 8:00 p.m.

Tyronn King (13) totaled 13 assists, 12 rebounds and six points