The Brandon University basketball teams both found the win column Friday night.
Cassie Cooke collected a game-high 34 points as the Lady ‘Cats beat the Manitoba Bisons 70-51 for their second straight victory, while upping their overall record to 4-9.
It matches the highest win total the program has had since joining Canada West and is also the team’s largest margin of victory in conference play.
"I think it was definitely a lot of smiles, especially knowing that we did put it away because a lot of the games we come in at halftime and it’s almost like we’re satisfied with just winning at halftime. Not only did we win, we won by 19, which is a big statement for ourselves," Cooke told CKLQ’s Tyler Crayston.
Keegan Robinson and Kaela Cranston scored eight points each while Aleah Bridges had a team-high nine rebounds for Brandon who outscored Manitoba 25-9 in the fourth-quarter.
On the men’s side, Turell Scott scored 18 points as the Bobcats extended their winning streak to a season-high four straight with an 89-73 victory over the Herd.
Emerick Ravier recorded 17 points while Ilarion Bonhomme and Kenonte Ramsey were next with 16 points each for BU who outscored the U-of-M 34-14 in the fourth-quarter.
"I thought the guys played hard, but under control. They played with passion, but they kept their heads. That’s a great combination for us. You want them on that fine line," said coach Gil Cheung.
Ali-Mounir Benabdelhak added 14 points for the Bobcats who improved to 5-8, but remain six points back of the final playoff spot in the conference’s Prairie Division.
"We realize how important defence is. Guys are getting in the gym and everyone’s really buying in to what coach is preaching, and that helps a lot," said Bonhomme.
The weekend doubleheader wraps up Saturday with game times at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Healthy Living Centre.