Huskies top Kodiaks for ACAC gold

After almost three days of intense action at the Lloyd Campus gym, the ACAC gold medal game arrived Saturday evening. In it, two upset squads that carried more pedigree in this circumstance than a Cinderella story usually does in sports.
The Keyano Huskies and Lethbridge Kodiaks faced off after having defeated the Trojans and Rustlers the night before and despite to obvious history to have a rivalry, the players delivered on the promise of entertainment. The Huskies still carried the swag of a champion after winning the CCAA Championship in 20 24, while the Kodiaks have been a steady presence in the postseason for a decade. Both teams will represent the ACAC in just under two weeks' time at the CCAA Championship.
Keyano started the first quarter with two quick baskets and led 26-16 late in the first quarter. Lethbridge managed a buzzer beater, but the Huskies held the lead and momentum for much of the first half. The Kodiaks slowly began to close the gap with defensive pressure as they began to pick up rhythm by the end of the first half and closed the gap to just three points, 43-40.
Both teams brought high intensity and energy into the third quarter going basket for basket the whole quarter. Nathaniel Hosannah (6'4''-F) of the Kodiaks wowed the crowd with a pair of athletic dunks and Levi Balderson (6'1''-G) continued his sharp shooting from the previous night despite heavy defensive coverage, but Keyano kept a tight lead of 68-64 after 30 minutes of play.
The fourth quarter was another classic. Despite Lethbridge's efforts, the Huskies gained some separation, forcing the Kodiaks to call a time out with 6:30 remaining and trailing by six. The game remained hard fought, but Keyano leaned into their athleticism and depth, coming out on top 86-79.
Balderson and Huskies big man Evan Meyer (6'7''-F) with the Players of the Game. In the post-game ceremony, Hosannah and Balderson were named All Stars, along with Keenan Miller (6'5''-G, college: Big Bend CC) for Keyano. Meyer was the MVP. This is Keyano's second ACAC title in three seasons.

Final:
Keyano - Lethbridge Poly 86-79

3rd Place:

SAIT - Lakeland 89-80

Semis:
SAIT - Keyano 63-66
Lakeland - Lethbridge Poly 67-86

Q-Finals:
SAIT - Concordia Edmonton 113-73
Lakeland - Ambrose 93-74
Keyano - Briercrest 100-79
Lethbridge Poly - NAIT 75-61

Courtesy of acac.ab.ca