Watch above: The Saskatchewan Huskies men’s basketball team aims to win first its Canada West title since 2010. Jack Haskins looks at an obstacle that’s in their way.
SASKATOON – The Saskatchewan Huskies men’s basketball team is ready to take on the best in the west. This weekend, the University of Saskatchewan will host the Canada West final four series for the second time in four years.
The host Huskies like their chances, as the dogs boast a 10-1 record at the PAC this season.
“It’s always nice to be at home,” said Huskies centre Matt Forbes. “You got mommas home cooking (spaghetti), your own beds, all that stuff, and our fans are pretty good, it’s going to be a jumping place.”
A win on Friday against the UBC Thunderbirds would secure the Huskies a spot in the CIS final 8 tournament. But the T-Birds pose a serious problem for the dogs.
UBC is a big, physical, and athletic team. The Thunderbirds defeated the Huskies twice in November, outscoring the dogs by a total of 31 points.
“Their size and physicality is definitely a challenge for us,” said Huskies fifth year forward Ben Baker. “They seem to always physically stand up to the way we play and it’s always a good game in that sense.”
READ MORE: Baker brings a whole lot of everything to the table for the Huskies
There isn’t a whole lot separating the two teams. Both squads are efficient from the field, and enjoy playing a physical brand of basketball. Huskies head coach Barry Rawlyk believes that Friday’s contest will come down to execution.
“They’re a pretty solid team and I think it really comes down to competing and grinding it out on every possession. We have to limit the number of turnovers we have, we have to rebound the basketball, and we have to have good shot selection.”
The Huskies are just two wins away from winning their first Canada West title since 2010, which was the year that Saskatchewan shocked the nation by capturing gold at the CIS Championship.
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