By Brad Halasz
It only took the University of Calgary men’s basketball team two games to claim the Canada West Central Division Championship title for the second year in a row.
It was only fitting the wins did not come easy against arch-rival University of Alberta Golden Bears who split the 2008/09 season series with the Dinos at two wins a piece.
A final fourth-quarter, 31-point offensive push by the Bears in Saturday’s game almost worked as they climbed within four points of the Dinos.
Henry Bekkering was solid in his last performance at home of his Canadian Interuniversity Sport career.
He banked 15 points on the night–nine of which came in what was an explosive first quarter for the Dinos.
Henry’s brother Ross led the team with 18 points.
The 82-78 victory for the Dinos was perhaps too close for their comfort, but ultimately the win was their ticket to the Canada West Final Four at the University of British Columbia this weekend.
Calgary will play the Trinity Western University Spartans this Friday while the UBC Thunderbirds host the University of Brandon Bobcats in semi-final play.
Calgary was handed a close 83-79 loss at home by the Spartans on Jan. 24 in the two teams’ only match-up of the season.
Saturday’s loss marked the last game by Bear’s bench boss Don Horwood. His 26 years as coach is a storied one that includes three national championships.