Lightning capture home decision over Kings

Brent Forster – Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics

Calgary, AB – A second half push from the St. Mary's University Lightning was one of the differences Saturday evening against the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings.

The Lightning held a one point lead over the RDP Kings at the half. Then the home team outscored the Kings 48-42 in the latter half and picked up an 85-78 win.

White (6)

Kings Player of the Game Cody White has battled injuries for much of the season but had a gritty performance. The fifth-year from Red Deer stacked up 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal over 24 minutes.

King (5)

Tyronn King was effective, once again. The RDP Legal Assistant student contributed 25 points, five rebounds, three steals and an assist.

Payton Baltzer scored 13 points. Six-foot-three Eduardo Crespo recorded a double-double, with 10 points and 10 of the Kings' 41 rebounds.

Lightning Player of the Game Ryan Morck had 17 points and seven of his team's 40 boards. Averie Armbrister led St. Mary's with 25 points. Caleb Jipp added 21.

The RDP Kings shot 37.1 per cent from the field, 24.1 per cent from three-point range and 62.5 per cent from the free throw line.

The Lightning responded with 43.7, 34.3 and 73.3 per cent efficiency.

On Friday, February 25, the third place Red Deer Polytechnic Kings (8-6) will face the Ambrose University Lions (5-9) on the road at 8 pm.

The Kings and Lightning are even with 16 points, but the RDP Kings have a game in hand. Red Deer Polytechnic has already qualified for the playoffs. The top six teams will make the postseason. 

The Kings will wrap up regular season competition on Saturday, February 26 at home. 

Antonio Benjamin (15) had six points and a steal