Both women’s and men’s Mount Royal Cougars basketball teams won both of their games against Grant MacEwan Griffins hosted at Mount Royal University (MRU) on Nov. 14 and 15.
The first women’s game was a close 78-70 win, with Cougars guard Jenika Martens finishing with 21 points and seven rebounds. Game two was even closer as the Cougars took the game 61-56 with forward Nora Luca finishing the game with 15 points and six rebounds.
The men’s basketball took charge in the first game, leading by 20 points by the end of the second quarter and securing the win 84-60 as Cougars forward Sam Barnie finished the game with 28 points and four rebounds.
Game two was another strong showing as MRU won the game 69-48. Cougars guards Tag Layton, DJ Roberts and Kole Scott finished the game with 13 points, 10 points and 11 points respectively.
Cougars men’s head coach Josh Mullen explained how important a positive team culture is when it comes to winning matches.
Looking forward, Mullen emphasizes how important team building is when it comes to preparing for a good game.
“All your experiences as a group are what shape you and for us we’ve already had the opportunity,” said Mullen. “I think this is our 16th game — to be in lots of situations, late game situations, close games, come from behind wins, seeing different things in terms of zone defences, matchup zone, different coverages in our actions.
“So yes, your experiences ultimately shape you and you learn and grow from them. And this is a young group, and every day, every week, we’re growing, and we’re trying to maximize that process and expedite that process as quick as we can.”
The MRU Cougars men’s and women’s teams will go head to head with the University of Lethbridge Horns on Nov. 21.