CALGARY –  A year after losing 34-26 in the 79th Hardy Cup on home turf to the UBC Thunderbirds, the Calgary Dinos put to rest any lingering memories of their crushing setback with an epic 46-43 win over UBC in the 80th Hardy Cup Saturday at McMahon Stadium.Â
After Calgary raced out to a 36-10 lead at the half courtesy majors from five different Dinos, the Canada West championship game was shaping up to be a one-sided affair. That, however, would not be the story as UBC showed resiliency in the highest scoring game in Hardy Cup history.
Leading the way for Calgary was quarterback Adam Sinagra, who was named the game's offensive MVP after throwing 366 yards and a trio of touchdowns.
Sinagra, who is in his first season with the Dinos, has led the way offensively in the Stampede City over the last several weeks, after opening day starter Jimmy Underdahl went down Week 6 of the season against Manitoba.
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Jakub Jakoubek was named the game's defensive MVP after recording an interception and a 20-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown, early in the second quarter.
UBC proved they wouldn't be an easy out, storming back in the final 30 minutes to make it a game thanks in large part to second-year QB Michael O'Connor, who threw for 450 yards on the day, but no majors.
The Thunderbirds opened the second half with 16 consecutive points, cutting the lead to 36-26 prior to the fourth quarter.
Touchdowns from running back Kory Nagata and a thrilling 53-yard pick-six courtesy Riley Jones after halftime put life in UBC's hopes of continuing their Vanier Cup championship defence.Â
The fourth quarter was one for the ages, as the teams combined for 27 points, including UBC running back Ben Cummings major at the 2:09 mark, which made it 46-43 with plenty of time for some final magic.Â
Cumming's score though would be the last points on the day, as Calgary managed to kill the rest of the clock, and punch their ticket to next week's U Sports Mitchell Bowl (2 p.m. / McMahon Stadium) against the Atlantic champion St. FX X-Men, who defeated Mount Allison 29-8 earlier Saturday in the Loney Bowl.
