EDMONTON, ALTA. - The NAIT men's basketball team dropped their home opener to the Lakeland Rustlers, as Rashaun Russell scored a game-high 29 points on the Ooks in the NAIT Gymnasium on Friday night. 

Both teams came out of the gate quick each scoring 13 points in the 1st quarter. The Rustlers then broke the close game open as they would outscore the Ooks by 10 in the second quarter to take a 36-26 lead heading into the half.  Mike Connolly's team caught on their heels, would battle hard in the 3rd quarter, but would find themselves down 61-44 heading into the final frame. NAIT would outscore Lakeland in the 4th quarter, but it would be too little too late as the Ooks fall 83-67.

Samson Cleare had a team-high 24 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Ooks in scoring, while Rashaun Russell led the Rustlers with 29 points. 

The two teams will rematch tomorrow night at 8:00 pm in Lloydminster.