LANGLEY, British Columbia – Trinity Western third year guard Lucas Mannes (Chilliwack, B.C.) poured in 36 points to lead the Spartans to a 87-78 victory over the Brandon Bobcats Saturday night at the Langley Events Centre in Langley, B.C. The first win of the season gives the Spartans a 1-13 record, which ties them with Brandon. 

"Lucas, scored a lot, but he also played a really smart game at the end, managing the clock and the score," commented TWU head coach Aaron Muchic on his point guards performance. 

Mannes had an impressive night. In addition to his 36 points, Mannes had six rebounds, five assists and five steals. Fifth year forward Kelvin Smith (Los Angeles) with 18 points, nine rebounds and two steals and second year guard Vartan Tanielian (White Rock, B.C.) with 12 points added to the TWU cause. 

"Our guys really focused on defence tonight. We are being creative and as team we did a good job of shutting down there top scorers," said Muhic. "The guys played to win, which made it fun tonight." 

Pookie Saunders (Calgary) with 21 points, and seven assists and Denham Buchanan (Toronto) with 14 points led the Bobcats in the losing cause. 

The two teams were tied at 62-62 going into the final quarter. The Spartans had the better of the Bobcats outscoring Brandon 25-16 to claim the win. TWU's offense in the final period went 10-16 from the field, while their defence stepped up and held Brandon to only five field goals in the final 10 minutes of the game to secure the win. 

TWU had one of their better starts to a game this season as they led Brandon 21-15 at the end of the first quarter, after jumping out to a 21-9 lead. 

However, with five minutes remaining in the second quarter the Bobcats had cut the Spartans lead to one point, 31-30. In the second half of the quarter Brandon used a 8-4 run to take a 38-35 lead going into the half time break. 

The two teams each had mini runs through the third quarter, but neither was able to take control as they remain tied at 62-62 heading into the final frame. 

The Spartans will now travel to Edmonton to face the University of Alberta Golden Bears on Feb. 5 and Feb. 6. 

Game Notes: Brandon had the edge in rebounding 33-27… the Spartans went 8-15 from the three point line, while the Bob shot 8-22…TWU had 11 turnovers to Brandon's nine… the Spartans biggest lead, 15 points, 84-69, came with three minutes remaining in the game… 

-TW-