Career record within range as Cougars prepare for Huskies
Jeff Lukomski -Photo by U of R Photography Dep't

In just his fourth year of eligibility, Jeff Lukomski is just four three-pointers away from setting a new Canada West career record in men's basketball.

He'll get his last chances at setting the mark this season on Friday and Saturday, as the Cougars play the Saskatchewan Huskies. The Cougars need a two-game sweep to book a home date for the first round of the playoffs.

"(Cougars head coach) James (Hillis) had mentioned it after the game on Saturday, but I'm not even really thinking about it" Lukomski said. "We need two wins this weekend to host, and that's what's important right now."

When told he was close to tying the record, Lukomski was surprised - and maybe a little relieved.

"I knew that I had set the conference record for attempts earlier this season, so I was hoping this one wouldn't be too far off," Lukomski said with a chuckle.

The Canada West career three-point record is currently held by Casey Archibald (UBC, 2002-07) and Danny Balderson (Lethbridge, 1993-95 and 1997-00). Both hit 239 three-pointers during their prolific careers. Balderson was a three-time All-Canadian, while Archibald earned All-Canadian status twice.

"Archibald and Balderson are very impressive names to be recognized alongside," Hillis said. "Both of those guys had tremendous careers and how close he is to setting the record is a real testament to Jeff's ability."

Lukomski shouldn't be considered a one-trick pony, either.

"He's earned the minutes he gets by his play at the defensive end," Hillis said. "He doesn't come in just to be a shooter. Since his second year, he's been one of our better defenders on the ball, which means he'll get his full complement of 30-plus minutes every game."

The Cougars and the Huskies meet on Friday night at the Centre for Kinesiology, Health & Sport, with tip-off scheduled to start at 8 p.m. following the conclusion of the women's basketball game. The two teams will finish off the regular season on Saturday night in Saskatoon.