Daniel Ferguson erupted for a game-high 44 points as the Alberta Golden Bears defeated the Windsor Lancers in a thrilling and exciting 98-93 overtime victory in the opening game of the 2011 Graham Shootout hosted by the Saskatchewan Huskies.
Ferguson was hot all evening, connecting on 12-of-25 shots, including six three-pointers, three of them coming in the extra session. He also pulled down eight rebounds and found his teammates open for seven assists.
Three other Golden Bears players reached double figures with Lyndon Taylor with 14 points, Robert Dewar with 12 and Sahr Saffa with 11 respectively.
Enrico Diloretto paced the Lancers 31 points. Evan Matthews also added 22 points.
Ferguson was the third leading scorer in 2010-11 with an average of 23 points and again will be amongst the top candidates for the 2011-12 CIS Men’s basketball scoring title.
The Golden Bears will get another stiff challenge on Friday when they face potential AUS favourite Acadia Axemen.
Alberta improves their CIS Basketball preseason record to 4-3 and are currently on a four-game winning streak. The three loses came against NCAA D1 teams.
The Lancers record drops to 4-8 in preseason action and face another formidable opponent in tournament hosts Saskatchewan Huskies.
Game Notes
Alberta was without the services of hybrid small forward Jordan Baker who is currently on duty with Canada’s Pan America team that will compete at the 2011 games later this month.
