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A strong final period lifted the Winnipeg Wesmen to an impressive 84-71 victory over the Manitoba Bisons in front of 1400 spectators at the Duckworth Centre Thursday night.
Winnipeg outscored Manitoba 37-18 in the final period to come back from a six point defecit to earn the victory.
Winnipeg started the game in impressive fashion opening up a 20-12 lead after the opening period. Erfan Nasajpour scored 14 of his game high 29 points in the opening frame to set the pace for the Wesmen.
The Wesmen held the lead on the hard charging Bisons for almost the entire second period until Graeme Mitchell of Manitoba came up with a steal and a basket at the buzzer to give Manitoba a 35-34 lead heading into the locker room at halftime.
Manitoba gained control of the game in the third period outscoring Winnipeg 18-13, taking advantage of four Wesmen turnovers and several missed shots to take a 53-47 lead after three periods.
Nasajpour opened up the fourth period with back-to-back three pointers to tie the score at 53-53. Chris Pereira drained back-to-back three pointers of his own to give Manitoba a 59-53 lead. Fifth year Matt Opalko scored two baskets to once again bring the teams even at 59-59 with just over six minutes to play. Winnipeg gained control of the game going on a 9-2 run highlighted by a Peter Lomuro steal and thundering slam dunk to give Winnipeg a 68-61 lead with over three minutes to play. Winnipeg held off Manitoba down the stretch sinking their free throws to secure the victory on home court.
Nasajpour finished with 29 points, including four-three pointers, eight rebounds, and four assists. Dan Shynkaryk had a double-double scoring 13 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Matt Opalko also finished with 13 points, nine rebounds and four assists.
Isaac Ansah led Manitoba with 28 points, including 10-of-12 from the free throw line, four assists and two steals. Christopher Pereira collected 13 points, including three-three pointers. Brian Crowe had a team high 11 rebounds in the contest.
The victory improves Winnipeg's record to 5-6, while the Bisons fall to 1-10 on the season. The two teams will meet on Saturday night at the University of Manitoba. Game time is 8:15 p.m.
