The Vikings were a people known to rape, pillage and brutally slaughter all those they encountered. While the University of Victoria men’s basketball team aren’t nearly as barbaric, this past weekend they proved they were just as thorough.
Facing our beloved but beleaguered Dinos squad, the Vikes (15-5) made short work of the walking wounded, taking both games of the weekend doubleheader. In a tilt reminiscent of a M*A*S*H* unit facing the newest recruits, Calgary did as much as could be expected considering the situation.
John Riad was the offensive leader yet again, averaging 20 points over the two games, while rookie Whit Hornsberger showed true grit coming off the bench in both games despite his separated shoulder. Despite those efforts, as well as the workmanlike performances of Andy Strodeur and the rest of the team, Victoria was like Valhalla for the hosts.
Thus we head into the final weekend of the Canada West season.
The playoff picture, jumbled as it is, goes a little something like this. The Golden Bears and the Vikings are in and they will face off next weekend to determine first and second. Lethbridge and Simon Fraser will host the quarter-final games against two of the four teams currently tied for last, Trinity Western University, the University of British Columbia, the University of Saskatchewan and our Dinos. That said, if Calgary can take two from Trinity on this, the final weekend, they are on their way to a playoff match up.
That really shouldn’t be a problem. Then again, that very logic has proven faulty all year.