Dhivaan Bhogal and Dario Lopez each had double-doubles for the UFV Cascades on Saturday, as they outlasted the MacEwan Griffins 88-81 to finish off the weekend sweep.

UFV head coach Joe Enevoldson highlighted the impact of his post players after the game.

"Having an established post presence is a good sign for us moving forward. We have some guys who can shoot, some guys who are playmakers, and having that presence inside can really open up the court".

It looked like the script was going to be similar to the previous night as the Cascades got out to another quick start with an 11-2 run, but the Griffins kept it close all afternoon. They cut the UFV lead to as few as one in the second quarter, and the Cascades held a narrow 71-69 lead heading into the fourth.

MBB | Dhivaan Bhogal with the jam in the second quarter!

Cascades lead 54-49 at the half. #weclimbweconquer pic.twitter.com/55B0TnxgwJ
— UFV Cascades (@UFVCascades) November 5, 2022
 

MacEwan threatened throughout the quarter, getting within one point of the Cascades on three occasions, but UFV would finally pull away with less than two minutes on the clock. With the score 82-81 Courtenay Anderson knocked down a jumper, before a layup from Lopez increased the lead to five, and Nolan Anderson iced it with a pair of late free throws.

MBB | Dario Lopez with a clutch bucket!#weclimbweconquer pic.twitter.com/WA5h8sw1D9
— UFV Cascades (@UFVCascades) November 6, 2022
 

Bhogal had 18 points and 11 rebounds in the win, while Lopez had 17 points and 10 rebounds. Dylan Kinley also showed his offensive ability notching 18 points and five assists for UFV.

Milan Jaksic had a career night for the Griffins, putting up 27 points, while Matthew Osunde had 10 points, 10 boards, and six assists.

The win moves the Cascades to 2-0 on the season, while the Griffins fall to 0-2 to start the year.

Enevoldson stressed the importance of getting two victories on the road this weekend.

"It's Canada West basketball — It's tough to win on the road. No matter where you go, no matter the venue, it's tough. Any time you get two wins on the road in Canada West play you have to enjoy it".

"We were fortunate that we were good enough to win tonight. It's a scenario where we have to learn from it, we have to get better, but a win is a win."

The Cascades now return home to host the Manitoba Bisons next Friday (8 p.m., canadawest.tv) and Saturday (7 p.m., canadawest.tv) at the UFV Athletic Centre. Meanwhile the Griffins now travel to Calgary to take on the Mount Royal Cougars next weekend.