November 9 - Fuelled by 16 points from rookie Kevin Oliver, the 8th ranked Bobcats crushed the Manitoba Bisons 88-66 Friday night at the BU Gymnasium. The Bobcats have now won 8 straight games against their provincial rivals, dating back to the 2005-06 season.

“Our young guys came in and shot the ball well tonight,” said Brandon head coach Mike Raimbault, whose team exploded for 53 second half points. “We wanted to be aggressive against their zone (defense). We’re a good team when we penetrate and pitch, and we did a good job of that tonight. I was impressed with the total team effort.”

Oliver was one of five Bobcats to score in double figures, but his performance was undoubtedly the most impressive. In just his third career Canada West conference game, the rookie caught fire in the fourth quarter, hitting four consecutive three pointers to put the game out of reach.

“I’m just shooting the ball out there, having fun,” said a smiling Oliver afterwards. “I don’t always get in the game, but when I do, I want to do whatever I can to help.”

Meantime, Yul Michel and Dany Charlery each scored 15 points, while Tarik Tokar and Nathan Grant added 10 apiece.

The win improved Brandon’s record to 3-0, while the Bisons fell to 0-3.

Manitoba was without the offensive explosiveness of Isaac Ansah, who sat out the game with a thigh bruise. In his absence, Darcy Coss scored 19 points and Sean Landry added 11.

The Bobcats will look to make it 9 straight victories over the Bisons when the two teams meet again on Saturday.

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