Conner leads Trojans to impressive win over Clippers
CALGARY, ALTA., (Nov. 30, 2018) — Fans looking to see the SAIT Trojans men's basketball team keep their winning streak alive were sent home happy on Friday night.
The Trojans seemed to score at will, as they beat up the visiting Briercrest College Clippers 112-73 in their Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) game played inside SAIT's Campus Centre.
"We've really been vibing as a team," said guard Charlie Conner (2nd year, Lacey, Wash., Business Administration), who led the Trojans with 25 points. "In the last few games, things have really come together for us. The coaching staff and the players have found something that works well."
Conner's not lying when he says the team has found something. Friday's win was the second consecutive 39-point victory for the Trojans – also achieving the feat last weekend when they beat Olds College 110-71.
SAIT moves to 9-0 to stay the only undefeated team in all of the ACAC. Briercrest College falls 2-7.
The game started fast for the Trojans, who had already amassed a 10-point lead, 14-4, halfway through the opening quarter. By the time the first came to an end, SAIT led the Clippers 29-12.
SAIT didn't let up in the second quarter, putting 37 more points on the board to lead 66-33.
"You never want to embarrass a team, but at the end of the day, it's basketball," Conner said when asked about keeping things respectful while also remaining competitive. "You try execute as much as you can, and playing as hard as you can until the coach subs you out."
In the second half, the Trojans sat Conner and the rest of the starters for the majority of the final 20 minutes of play. Conner finished with 21 minutes, while John Smith (4th year, Lacey, Wash., Business Administration) played just 20 minutes, but still scored 24 points.
CJ Greer had a big night for the Clippers, scoring a game-high 28 points.
The Trojans and Clippers will finish off their fall semester schedule Saturday afternoon at 3pm in a game where SAIT will try extend their winning streak to ten.
"Tomorrow, we're just going go out, execute, and try do the same thing," Conner finished. "Hopefully that results in another win."
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