Bobcats face tough test in Pandas

Renee Dauphinais and the Brandon University Bobcats have had no shortage of opportunities to showcase their resiliency lately.

They’ll have two more this weekend as they host the No. 2-ranked U Sports women’s basketball team, the Alberta Pandas, at the Healthy Living Centre tonight at 6 o’clock and Saturday at 5 p.m.

“We’re excited. They’re one of the top teams in the country and we’re excited to compete. It’ll be a good challenge for us to see where we’re at,” Dauphinais said.

“They’re a tough and physical team; they can score in the paint and score on the perimeter. It’ll be good for us to play against a strong team like this and prove ourselves — that we can compete.”

The Bobcats (0-2) entered the regular season two weeks ago without their best returning scorer, Macaya Copeland, who left the program for personal reasons.

This week, fellow import guard Amaya McLeod did the same.

Brandon has now lost about 80 per cent of its scoring from the 2025-26 season. Dauphinais isn’t giving that much thought.

“We don’t have time to hang our heads,” the co-captain said.

“It’s the next-man-up mentality that we’re playing with right now. We’re all able to score the ball; share the ball evenly.

“Lots of people doubt us when players leave, injuries, whatever it is, but we’re still going to hang in there and put our best foot forward.”

BU has dropped its first two games to Winnipeg at home two weeks ago, and Manitoba on the road on Sunday.

Dauphinais sees the opportunity for the developing group of guards that once played second fiddle to the likes of Copeland, McLeod and Piper Ingalls to shine.

For Dauphinais and the rest of the forwards, it’s time to bring physicality to contain the Pandas’ bigs.

Bobcats head coach Ilarion Bonhomme stressed the need to crash the glass, as his group gave up 57 offensive rebounds in two games against Alberta in Edmonton last year.

On the perimeter, he’s also asking a lot from his defenders.

“They have tons of shooting from their guards and wings, so being able to close out and contest a shot but also being able to contain, because players like Kiah Easton with the ability to rip and get into the lane cause you a lot of problems,” Bonhomme said.

“It’ll be a good test. All these girls play basketball because they like competing. It’s always fun for me because Scott (Edwards) and Megan (Wickstrom) are two really good coaches, so trying to figure out their tactics and figure out ways to be successful offensively and defensively will be fun.”

The Pandas had a bye to start the campaign, so tonight’s their opener after steamrolling three Canada West opponents in pre-season action.

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The BU men play today at 8 p.m., and Saturday at 7 o’clock.

Brandon lost 102-81 to Manitoba on Sunday, as Munroop Gill posted 27 points while Brandon managed just five points off the bench.

Last season, BU lost 92-89 in overtime at U of A, then dropped the second game 89-81.

They’ll need to contain fifth-year guard Isaac Simon, while they simply may not have a matchup for Kyle Varner and Caiden Kushnir in the paint. The duo combined for 39 points and 21 boards in their second meeting last year.

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The BU volleyball teams are on a bye this week, and host the UBC Thunderbirds next weekend.

» tfriesen@brandonsun.com