Sept. 1, 2008

By Nic Hallisey
Athletic Media Relations

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Sophomore Andy Ogide led all scorers with 22 points and the Rams rolled past the Simon Fraser Clans, 94-66 for its second victory in as many nights.

"I just took good shots and my teammates put me in the position to get good glances," Ogide said. The sophomore, who sat out last year as a transfer from Mississippi, shot 11-13 from the field in the win.

"We need our newcomers to be good," Head Coach Tim Miles said. "That's why they're here. Ogide was a man among boys tonight."

The first quarter was fast-paced and full of back and forth action with lots of scoring. A combined total of 18 points were scored within the first two minutes of the game. After trailing by a basket midway through the first quarter, the Rams took advantage of two Clan turnovers that led to fast-break baskets and a 10-0 run. The Rams never looked back, leading the rest of the game.

"I think we saw more length and athleticism tonight," Miles said. "We need a defense that can play with our mobility, and I thought we had better energy defensively."

The Rams were able to force turnovers on defense and turn them into points. Sophomore Travis Franklin and freshman Jesse Carr had 4 steals apiece, and eight different players recorded a steal, totaling 19 in the game. The team was able to score 29 points off of Clan turnovers.

The Rams, who led by as much as 29 points, shot .545 from the floor. Each player scored and 34 of the Rams' points came from off the bench. Senior Marcus Walker dropped at least points for the second straight night, scoring 21 in the victory. Franklin put up strong numbers in his second game with the Rams. He collected 14 points, while recording four steals and pulling down seven boards.

The Rams will face Trinity Western University Monday morning before heading back to the States. Trinity Western had Sunday off and played University of Tulsa, who was Conference USA runners up to Memphis in 2008, to a three-point game on Saturday.

"This is what tournament style basketball is like," Miles said. "We don't have much time to make adjustments. All we can do is give the players something to eat, give them rest, and get them up in the morning ready to play."