BB: SSK guard, BDN forward doubly impressive in pivotal games
Ahlstrom, Tsegakele named CW Players of the Week
CALGARY – Saskatchewan's Carly Ahlstrom and Brandon's Anthony Tsegakele were named the Canada West Basketball Players of the Week by the conference on Tuesday.
Ahlstrom dazzled in weekend action, leading her Saskatchewan Huskies to a sweep of the then 13-3 Alberta Pandas. After the Huskies struggled off the jump, Ahlstrom got them back on track with a pair of free throws and a lay-up. She went on to post 29 points in the contest, adding 11 rebounds for an impressive double-double against a high-ranking team. Her efforts led Saskatchewan to a 77-57 victory.
The Calgary, AB product would not be cooled, returning Saturday with the same fire.
In a tight game, Ahlstrom gave her Huskies a lift in the third quarter, driving to the hoop and finishing through contact before sinking the and-one. She added another lay-up and a jumper to increase her squad's lead, which they would not surrender the rest of the contest. She ended the night with 28 points and eight rebounds.
Ahlstrom's leadership and grit helped her team to the weekend sweep that pushed the Huskies up into first place with one weekend left of regular season action.
She is now the second-leading scorer in the conference with an average of 19.8.
Ahlstrom and the Huskies will travel to take on Fraser Valley this Friday and Saturday. Those games are slated to tip off at 6 p.m. and 5 p.m. PST respectively. Saturday's game is the featured Game of the Week on TELUS Optik TV on channel 1997. You can catch both games on Canada West TV.
Game log:
Feb. 3: 29 pts, 11 rebs, 3 stls in 77-57 W vs ALB
Feb. 4: 28 pts, 8 rebs, 1 assist, 2 stls in 79-67 W vs ALB
Meanwhile, Brandon's Anthony Tsegakele was unstoppable as he helped his team end a five-game skid at a critical point of the season. The Bobcats lined up against the Mount Royal Cougars (both 8-8) for a couple games that had big consequences for the middle of the CW standings.
Tsegakele posted convincing double-doubles both nights, as the Cougars struggled to contain him. He helped set the tone right off the bat, with an assist, rebound and lay-up to get the Bobcats out to a quick lead. Tsegakele went 10 for 19 from the floor, showing off his talent and athleticism. His hustle shined through defensively.
He finished the night with 25 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and three steals as Brandon beat Mount Royal 102-81 on the road.
The Gatineau, QC product was equally as excellent Saturday, going for 22 points and 14 rebounds in a tighter game. He helped Brandon extend their lead in the third with several key plays that put the Cougars in a hole they wouldn't claw their way out of.
The weekend sweep put Brandon in a much stronger position with a single weekend of regular season games remaining.
Tsegakele and the Bobcats will be back in action Friday and Saturday when they host the UNBC Timberwolves at 8 p.m. and 7 p.m. CST respectively. Friday's game is the featured Game of the Week on TELUS Optik TV on channel 1997. You can catch both games on Canada West TV.
Game log:
Feb. 3: 25 pts, 12 rebs, 2 asists, 3 stls in 102-81 W at MRU
Feb. 4: 22 pts, 14 rebs, 1 assist, 1 stl in 94-84 W at MRU