The against-type slang nickname for Lethbridge, Alta., is L.A., although nobody is going to mistake the Pronghorns for the Lakers, and least of all palm trees with icicles.
But even if it isn’t Southern California, there is lots of hoops history in Southern Alberta, which has produced much Canadian talent. Even during the University of Victoria Vikes’ national-championship glory era in basketball, Lethbridge was an especially difficult place to win.
The Pronghorns’ reputation as a feared home-court team continues as they host the Vikes in men’s and women’s conference action tonight and Saturday. The tales of odd bounces, that always seem to go the Pronghorns’ way in their gym, are lore in Canada West.
“The Pronghorns are always tough to beat, especially at home,” said UVic men’s head coach Craig Beaucamp.
“It’s one of the tougher places to play, so we have to be ready to go. They know their gym, and run and shoot well in it, and always play with confidence at home.”
Lethbridge is 7-7 in Canada West men’s play. UVic is 6-8 and tied for the 12th and final playoff berth in the 17-team league.
“Both teams are in the thick of it,” said Beaucamp, noting the importance of the weekend, and tightness of the games this season.
“Our last six outings, including the two non-conference games against UNBC, have been one-possession games.”
The Vikes will again be without starting point-guard Mason Loewen, part of an injury-riddled season for UVic.
“With the thin roster, we have simplified things, and that has galvanized our players with a backs-against-the-wall attitude,” said Beaucamp.
“It’s been a group effort with different guys stepping.”
Forwards Jake Newman, Jordan Charles and guard Scott Kellum have had their moments the last couple of weeks.
“We don’t have a player who can consistently score 20 points, but have lots of guys who can score 10 to 15 points any given night,” said Beaucamp.
Meanwhile, there is little to choose between the women’s squads with UVic 8-6 and Lethbridge 7-7. Vikes star outside shooter Amira Giannattasio goes into the games as the fourth-highest scoring UVic player in team history with 1,398 career points.
Last weekend against Fraser Valley, the Hamilton, Ont., native passed Jenna Bugiardini (1,394 points) and Debbie Yeboah (1,368) on the all-time Vikes list. Giannattasio now trails only Luanne Hebb (1,530), Olympian Carol Turney-Loos (1,646) and former Belmont star Lisa Koop (1,660).
