Holding on to a large first quarter lead, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies defeated the visiting University of Wesmen 76-68 Friday night at the PAC in Saskatoon. 

Saskatchewan opened the first of a two game series with a 12-point lead at the end the first quarter, 22-10. Winnipeg had the opening quarter close at 13-10 midway through the frame but the Huskies went on 9-0 run to end the quarter. Trevor Severinski had four points in the run. 

The Wesmen matched the Huskies 12 points in the second quarter, but Saskatchewan still led 34-22 at halftime. The Huskies outscored the Wesmen 19-17 in the third for a 14 point lead at 53-39. The closest the Wesmen could come in the final frame was within eight, despite outscoring Saskatchewan 29-23 in the quarter. 

Narcisse Ambanza led the Wesmen with 23 points, while Denzel Lynch-Blair added another 15. Sean Tarver chipped in with another 11. Ryan Oirbans led Winnipeg with six rebounds.

Chan De Ciman led the Huskies with 21 points. Reigning U Sports Male Athlete of the Week Shane Osayande and Matt Forbes each recorded a double-double. Osayande recorded 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Forbes tallied 13 points and 10 boards. 

Saskatchewan shot 36.1% in the game, while Winnipeg shot at 42.9%. The Huskies outrebounded the Wesmen 37-34. 

Both Saskatchewan and Winnipeg now have 2-1 records in the young Canada West men's basketball season.

The two teams will battle again Saturday night at the PAC. Tipoff is at 6:15 p.m.