November 16 - The Bisons (0-5) were still in search of their first win on the season on Friday night as they squared-off against the University of Victoria Vikings (6-1) at the the Investors Group Athletic Centre. Victoria on the other hand, was riding a three-game win streak heading in to the nights action.

“We had a 12 point lead at the half, and we thought that was enough,” said head coach Rick Suffield, “but they hung in there and it turns out it came down to the last three seconds.”

Despite going down by five early, the Herd were able to pull to within one late in the opening quarter 11-12. From there it was all Bisons, as they went on an 11-1 run to close the quarter.

Midway through the second, the Bisons were thinking upset as they took a 12-point, 28-16 lead with five minutes to go in the half. It was a combined effort from the Herd, with no one player standing out from the other, and the ball being passed around well among the team. Going in to the break, the score was 38-26 in favor of the home team.

The Bisons Chris Pereira led all players with a modest eight points off the bench at the half.

Strong play continued into the third for Bisons forward Myron Dean, as he had a huge block half way through the quarter. Throughout the frame, the Vikes began to chip away at the Bison lead, down to seven points with two minute to go in the third.

With the score 49-43 for the Bisons, going into the final quarter, The Vikes began to pour on the pressure. At the eight-minute mark, the visiting Vikings took the lead 50-49 with a 7-point run. With three minutes left, it was both Bison captains taking charge. Issac Ansah made a big shot from downtown, while on another drive, Darcy Coss was cleaning up under the basket. Coss also made a clutch 3-pointer with 10 seconds left to take the lead 65-64. It was all for not as Victoria made their final basket with three seconds left on the clock to take the 66-65 win.

Coss led all player with 19 points, while Tyler Hass had 16 for the Vikes in a thrilling, down to the wire win for the Vikings.

“Darcy was being Darcy,” said Suffield after the game. “He kept making the shots he needed to make.”

“When Darcy made the shot to take the lead I thought it was enough, “said Suffield. “Then they made their shot at the end, and it’s very demoralizing for our team to keep losing at the buzzer.”

From here, the Herd will play the UBC Thunderbirds on Saturday November 17 at the Investors Group Athletic Centre. UBC has been playing exceptionally well as of late. They lead the CIS Pacific division with a record of 6-1. The game starts at 6:15 pm.

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