Saskatchewan Rush break open tight game to win top spot in NLL West

After trading blows back and forth with the Colorado Mammoth through two quarters, the Saskatchewan Rush broke the game open in the third quarter with five unanswered goals to beat their division rivals 11-8 in National Lacrosse League action from Saskatoon.

The two teams played to a boisterous, sold-out crowd of 15,026 at the SaskTel Centre. They were both coming off a Friday night matchup in Colorado that saw the Rush win 11-5.

On Saturday, the Mammoth inched closer to matching their counterparts, but couldn't handle the Rush's quick, strategic attacks in the third quarter.

Through the first half of the game, the Mammoth capitalized on their quick transition game and on several Rush turnovers to head into halftime tied with the Rush at 5-5.

Meanwhile, the Rush spent the first half cycling the ball in Colorado's zone, setting up plays and screens, and trying to set-up their shooters in the high slot area.

Both teams relied on their stubborn, gritty defences to keep the game close.

That all changed at 5:51 of the third quarter when the Rush upped the tempo of their attacks and started shooting from the sides on goalie Dillon Ward. It allowed Saskatchewan to go on a five-goal scoring spree that the Mammoth couldn't answer for until 14:48 of the third quarter.

After that, the Rush's defence clamped down and didn't allow many Colorado chances, helping goalie Aaron Bold to the 36-save win.

The Mammoth netted one final goal in the fourth quarter at 11:07 after an unsuccessful power play.

With the win, the Rush secured and will hold top spot in the NLL's West Division, which will give them a bye through the first round of the playoffs, and into the West Division final against either Colorado, Vancouver, or Calgary.

• Saskatchewan Rush best Colorado, take top spot in NLL west
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Game notes

Curtis Knight and Ben McIntosh scored hat tricks for the Rush, while Robert Church, Jarrett Davis, Mark Matthews, Jeremy Thompson and Zack Greer supplied the rest of the offence for the team.

Jeremy Noble had three goals and two assists for Colorado. Mike Mallory struck twice with Chris Wardle, Jordan Gilles and Callum Crawford also chipping in.

Aaron Bold made 36 saves for the win in net as Dillon Ward turned aside 43 of 53 shots in defeat. Alex Buque played 23 seconds in goal for the Mammoth and let in the lone shot he faced.

Colorado was scoreless on its lone power play and did not take any penalties.

The top three stars of the game were Saskatchewan's Robert Church, Colorado's Dillon Ward and Saskatchewan's Ben McIntosh.