Herd sent running from the Island

After nearly a two month absence from McKinnon Gym, the Vikes men's and women's hoops team returned to their home court and took care of business, defeating the Manitoba Bisons in both contests.

The women were led by their superstar Kayla Dykstra, who posted a double double (15 pts, 12 'boards) to lead her side to a 66-43 victory. It was the fourteenth time Dykstra has led her team in scoring. The Vikes Horn will be shocked if Dykstra doesn't get some serious consideration in early February when its time to hand out a certain Canada West Award (MVP,MVP,MVP!!!!)
Tonight the Vikes will look to make it 9 wins in their last 10 contests when they host the No. 6 ranked Winnipeg Wesmen. The Wesmen were upset in Vancouver on Friday night, falling to the unranked T-Birds.

The men survived a good-ole-fashioned shootout Friday night, as the visiting Herd came in to town guns-a-blazing. The visitors knocked down 13 three pointers in the contest and had the Vikes faithful nervous until the final whistle. It was a very interesting, and for the most part entertaining game, and i loved the style of play shown by the Bisons, as they pushed the ball and shot the long ball at every opportunity. I was equally impressed by the play of Bisons guard Nathon Dixon. The fourth-year veteran stands a mere 5'9 but utilized his quickness and lightning fast release to light up the Vikes for 27 pts. In the end though the Vikes proved to be too strong, as a clutch three by Ryan MacKinnon with a minute propelled the Vikes to a 84-80 victory. Player of the Game has to go to Brandon Dunlop who poured in 7 of his team 17 points in the 3rd quarter, a quarter that saw the Vikes overcome a 46-43 halftime deficit.

Check out these two links that recap Fridays action: Times Colonist Article, UVic Press Release

Tip off for Saturdays contest against the Wesmen goes at 7PM. The Wesmen were smoked by the T-Birds on Friday night and sit in last in the Great Plains division.