Dinos give Spartans a spanking

By Esther E. Steeves

Amidst the roar of excited fans Saturday night, the Dinos men’s basketball team clinched a playoff spot and home court advantage in the first round of playoffs.

Winning both weekend match-ups with the Trinity Western Spartans, it was the second consecutive weekend the Dinos were victorious over a top ten seeded team, although Calgary still has yet to gain recognition in the standings for their efforts.

The Dinos scored 99 points each night, both games dominated by guard Whit Hornsberger who scored 18 points Friday and another 21 Saturday. Hornsberger also racked up 24 assists over the weekend, leading the team with one great play after another.

“Both nights had an intense atmosphere,” said fifth-year center Chris Harris, who was honoured for his athletic achievements before Saturday’s game. “We played good ball, but a lot comes from Whit.”

Other high-scorers from the weekend include forward Chris Wright with 22 points on Friday, and guard Aman Heran, who netted 20 on Saturday.

With only two regular season games left against the University of Victoria, the playoffs are close at hand. This is the first time the Dinos made the postseason in two years, but Head Coach Dan Vanhooren isn’t worried.

“Mentally we’re ready for the playoffs, but right now we have to focus on Victoria,” he said. “The boys have been spending a lot of time in the gym, the cohesion is only getting closer. We’re peaking at the best part of the year.”

The Dinos face the Vikes in Victoria this weekend Feb. 7-8 and return for their first playoff game in ten years on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day.