EDMONTON - Fifth-year guard Tyus Jefferson dropped a game-high 20 points, leading the Alberta Golden Bears to a thrilling 82-73 win over the Lethbridge Pronghorns on Saturday night at Saville.

Holding a 45-33 lead at the half, the Bears had to withstand a ferocious second-half surge from Lethbridge, which saw them outscore the Bears 24-17 in the third. The Saturday win gives the Bears the season-opening sweep, while the loss drops Lethbridge to 1-3 this season.

Geoffrey James added 18 points and five boards for Alberta, with Adam Paige scoring 17, including eight points in the fourth quarter to ice the win. As they did the previous night, the Bears dominated in the paint on Saturday, as they outscored the 'Horns 48-32. 

Four 'Horns finished with double-digit point totals, led by 15 each from De'Andre Pierre and Moreau Darlington, with Chad Oviatt and Jeff Rodehutskors scoring 12 a piece.

The Bears smothered Lethbridge in the opening quarter, allowing just 10 points on 4/16 shooting, holding a 18-10 lead. Jefferson scored eight of his 20 in the first, with no other player on either team scoring more than three. 

Turnovers plagued Lethbridge in the first half, with Alberta scoring 20 points off Pronghorn miscues, compared to just two points scored for the visitors off Bears turnovers. A strong shooting quarter from both sides saw Alberta outscore Lethbridge 27-23 in the second, as they held a 12-point lead.  

The 'Horns caught fire in the third, trimming the Bears lead down to five thanks to 24 points on an absurd 73% shooting quarter. Pierre scored 10 of his 15 in the third, with Oviatt adding six. 

However, despite numerous chances to tie the game early in the fourth, the Bears were able to withstand the Lethbridge surge, with Jefferson and Paige hitting key buckets late to secure the home win.

The Bears will remain at home next weekend, as they welcome the Mount Royal Cougars to Saville Community Sports Centre. Lethbridge, meanwhile, will visit the Cougars in two weeks following their 'bye'.