Broncos withstand fourth quarter charge in win over MHC

The Olds College Broncos women's basketball team beat the Medicine Hat College Rattlers 76-66 in the Make Some Noise for Mental Health Game Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Ralph Klein Centre.

The Olds vs Medicine Hat rematch started off very close with little margin for error, and with neither team taking the lead by more than a basket for the first few points. It wasn't until after the five minute mark that the Broncos started to pull away decisively. Everyone on the floor playing great defense only allowing three points in the last few minutes. They really started to make a statement offensively around this time shooting from everywhere and making most of their shots. The Rattlers were trying to stay in the game but they didn't have the same energy to start that they did in their previous matchup. The quarter finished 24-9 for the Broncos.

After the first quarter it was clear that both teams were a bit fatigued, but this did not stop anyone from performing. A big key within the first few minutes was the Rattlers ability to defend 1v1 and the work the teams were willing to do to get their defensive boards. Brittney Thibeaux was playing well throughout the game but she really started to help extend the lead in the second quarter. Both team continued to shoot from mid to three-point range but the Rattlers seemed to be more consistent at converting their outside attempts. The Rattlers were down but not willing to give up as they brought the difference to 12 with two minutes remaining and eventually finished the quarter 37-27 for the Broncos. Both teams had started to play slightly more aggressive as the Broncos earned their 5^th foul in the last minute and the Rattlers with three in the end.

The Broncos would continue to extend their league in the first few possessions with Brittney Thibeaux dominating the scoring but the three guards consisting of Michaela Allen-Gullion, Brandi Thibeaux, and Dani Earl were really starting to make an impression each earning double digits in points and draining some outside shots to keep the Medicine Hat defense honest. The score at the end of the quarter was 66-42 for the Broncos. The intensity was sustained.

The score was still virtually the same a few minutes into the fourth quarter. It wasn't until four minutes in that Brittney Thibeaux earned 31 points and she would look to get more in the final few minutes as well as continue with the strong no-nonsense defense. Although she stood out the most on the score sheet the rest of the Broncos were really demonstrating the hustle and physical play that got them in the spot they've been at for the last year. The Rattlers were trying to get anything they could but with the Broncos allowing nothing inside all they could grab were a few foul shots for the most part. The Broncos continued the tough defense eventually attaining five fouls, but with a minute left the Rattlers scored a three and earned possession back to bring the game within 10. It was too little too late in the Ralph Klein Center this time as the Broncos would keep the Rattlers at bay besides allowing a buzzer beater mid-range to finish the game 76-66.

The Player of the Game for Medicine Hat was Katelyn Rozdeba with 14 points and 16 rebounds. And your Broncos Pit Barbeque Player of the Game was Michaela Allen-Gullion with 17 points, a game high eight assists to go with eight rebounds.

The Broncos led the game in assists 19-13, steals 15-8 and blocks 7-3 while Medicine Hat held the edge in rebounds 51-29. Game leaders for the Broncos were Brittney Thibeaux with a game high 35 points, six steals and six blocks to go with a team high nine rebounds, while Brandi Thibeaux also had a game high six steals.

The Broncos host St. Mary's University Saturday, February 22 at 6:00 pm for Family Weekend Celebration night.

To learn more about Olds College, the Olds College Broncos and the basketball teams go to gobroncos.ca; like the Facebook page and follow @OldsBroncos on Twitter and Instagram.