Ooks get crucial, come from behind win on Thursday night against Rustlers

EDMONTON, Alta. – With nothing secured yet and playoff spots still up for grabs, the NAIT Ooks and Lakeland Rustlers battled in a tightly contested contest on Thursday night with playoff implications on the line, with the NAIT Ooks coming away with the 100-97 victory.

The Ooks were able to establish their bench early in the contest and take a 19-5 advantage in bench points that helped them establish a five-point lead at half time, despite ACAC leading scorer Sean-Michael Clancey only scoring two points in the first two quarters combined.

The third quarter saw the Ooks take control and dictate building up to a twelve-point lead at one point only for the Rustlers to claw back and cut the lead to two heading into the fourth and final quarter.

The fourth quarter saw runs both directions as the two teams traded shots throughout. With thirty-three seconds to play and the Rustlers clinging to a four point lead, the Ooks had successive offensive possessions that changed the outcome of the game in their favor. First, Sean-Michael Clancey hit a step back three, followed by a Hugo Cluysen layup that gave the Ooks a one-point lead with eleven seconds to play. A defensive stop and free throws would allow the Ooks to walk away with an all-important three-point win

The win improves the Ooks to 7-4 at home on the season and push the season series to 2-1 for the Ooks.

Players of the Game

NAIT Ooks – Hugo Cluysen

Lakeland Rustlers – Kwantez Simmons

The Big Picture

NAIT Ooks – 11-10 - Fourth in the ACAC north division

Lakeland Rustlers – 9-12 - Fifth in the ACAC north division

What's Next?

The teams will rematch tomorrow, February 21, 2020 at Lakeland Gymnasium