Weekend recap: Kodiaks wrap up the regular season

In the final weekend of the regular season, the Kodiaks men’s and women’s basketball teams came out on top with a sweep of two North division teams. These wins were crucial for both teams as they fought for ACAC playoff seeding. These wins secured first place in the South for the women and third place in the South for the men.

Both teams will be in the first round of playoffs Saturday, March 24. The women will host the winner of Briercrest and Ambrose at 8 p.m. while the men will travel to the University of Calgary to take on the SAIT Trojans at 6 p.m.

Feb. 17 WBB | Kodiaks 86 vs CUE Thunder 58

The Kodiaks women took charge early on Friday night against the Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder. After one quarter of play, the Kodiaks were up 20-13. In the second quarter, the Kodiaks continued to dominate. Madison Barfuss (second year, Therapeutic Recreation Gerontology, Hill Spring) and Jocelyn Neilson (second year, Open Studies, Lethbridge) led the Kodiaks with seven rebounds each. After twenty hard-fought minutes, the Kodiaks led 47-31.

The third quarter started off with a Thunder push, putting pressure on the Kodiaks as they tried to close the gap. Despite the Thunder’s best efforts, the Kodiaks maintained composure and remained ahead. After three quarters of play, the Kodiaks led 61-47.In the final quarter, the Kodiaks took charge once again, outscoring the Thunder 25-11. Hannah Helton (fifth year, Exercise Science, Okotoks) led the Kodiaks with 26 points while Annah Westrop (third year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) chipped in 15 points. The Kodiaks won 86-58.

Players of the Game:

Thunder: #2 Haley Cleland

Kodiaks: #11 Hannah Helton

Feb. 18 WBB | Kodiaks 82 vs TKU Eagles 50

Saturday saw the Kodiaks take on The King’s University Eagles for the final regular season home game of the 2023/24 season. The first quarter saw the Kodiaks take an early lead, and after one, the Kodiaks were up 15-12. Despite the Eagles best efforts, the Kodiaks maintained their composure and increased their lead throughout the second. Jocelyn Neilson led the Kodiaks with 14 rebounds and 11 points. At the half, the Kodiaks led 33-24.

The second half started with the Eagles working to close the gap, but thanks to the Kodiaks’ defensive efforts, their lead increased. After three quarters, the Kodiaks led 54-37. In the final quarter, the Kodiaks’ offence proved strong as they outscored the Eagles 28-13. Tylee Perry (second year, Business Administration, Cardston) led the Kodiaks with 16 points in the 82-50 win.

Players of the Game:

Eagles: #13 Megan Aleman

Kodiaks: #22 Jocelyn Neilson

Feb. 17 MBB | Kodiaks 102 vs CUE Thunder 83

The Kodiaks men’s basketball team ended their regular season with two wins against the North division Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder and The King’s University Eagles. On Friday, the Kodiaks came out on fire, taking a quick lead thanks to their high intensity defense. After one, the Kodiaks led 29-18. The second quarter saw the Kodiaks maintain their lead, with some key offensive sets from Declan Peterson (second year, Business Administration, Bentley) who finished the game with an impressive 17 rebounds and 21 points. At the half, the Kodiaks led 53-36.

The second half saw a slight resurgence from the Thunder as they worked to close the gap. The Kodiaks maintained their composure and thanks to some key defensive rebounds from Peterson, finished the third quarter in control and up 72-61. The fourth quarter saw the Kodiaks work to increase their lead to finish the game. Dray Walburger (first year, Business Administration, Magrath) led the Kodiaks with 33 points in the 102-83 win.

Players of the Game:

Thunder: #10 Nick Gibb

Kodiaks: #22 Declan Peterson

Feb. 18 MBB | Kodiaks 116 vs TKU Eagles 87

The Kodiaks got a quick start in the final home game of the season, taking a 32-18 first quarter lead over The King’s University Eagles. Declan Peterson gave the Kodiaks 12 points in the first ten minutes of play. The second quarter was filled with more Kodiaks intensity on both ends of the court as Rhett Lewis (first year, General Arts and Science, Cardston) chipped in eight points and three rebounds in the second. At the half, the Kodiaks led the Eagles 63-35.

After the half, the Kodiaks continued to dominate as they worked through the third quarter. Ty Lewis (second year, Open Studies, Cardston) gave the Kodiaks 12 points, three rebounds and four assists for the game. After three, the Kodiaks led 92-56. In the final quarter of play, the Kodiaks continued to fight, with key players coming off of the bench to contribute. Mike Olsen (first year, General Arts and Science, Cardston) chipped in 11 points in 11 minutes for the Kodiaks in their 116-87 win over the Eagles.

Players of the Game:

Eagles: #11 Tyrone Kumson

Kodiaks: #6 Mike Olsen