The Brandon University women’s basketball team is on a roll.
Stephanie Haynes had 10 points and 12 rebounds as the Lady ‘Cats defeated the Manitoba Bisons 57-49 on Saturday night at the Healthy Living Centre.
Brandon has won three in a row for the first time since joining Canada West in 1999 and their 5-9 record is the team’s highest win total since entering conference.
"Oh it feels great. Coming out this year and getting this many wins, I didn’t expect, but it feels great and knowing that we can compete with these teams in the CIS, it’s a great feeling," Haynes told CKLQ’s Tyler Crayston. "The team chemistry this year just feels so much better. It feels like everyone wants to be here, everyone wants to win, everyone wants to go all the way. It’s a good atmosphere."
Cassie Cooke also had a double-double with a game-high 19 points and 10 rebounds for BU.
On the men’s side, the Bobcats had their season-high four-game winning streak snapped by dropping a 68-51 decision against the Bisons.
"The effort with the basketball, geez, 21 turnovers to four assists. We’re one of the best teams in the conference, taking care of the basketball, valuing the basketball, but we were reckless with it and we didn’t value the ball at all," said coach Gil Cheung.
Jordan Reaves recorded 10 points and 13 boards for Brandon, who saw their record slip to 5-9.
Ilarion Bonhomme had 13 points while Emerick Ravier recorded 10 points for the Bobcats, who are eight points back of the Winnipeg Wesmen for the final playoff spot in the Prairie Division.
Up next is a critical home-and-home series against the U-of-W, which begins Thursday at the HLC.
"We try not to dwell on losses like this. I’m sure the boys are upset about it like I am, but we got to forget about it and we got to think about Winnipeg on Thursday," said Reaves.