EDMONTON – The U SPORTS #9 ranked Golden Bears orchestrated a seven-play, 65-yard drive in the final minute of regulation, capped off by a 33-yard Jonathan Giustini field goal as time expired to secure a 23-20 win over the Saskatchewan Huskies on Saturday afternoon at Foote Field.

Starting the drive on their own 20-yard line with 67 seconds remaining, the Bears gained 65 yards on four completions and three rushes, with a 23-yard rush from Matthew Peterson putting Alberta in field goal range.

Giustini split the uprights with no time remaining, giving Alberta their fifth win of the season. The win for the Bears (5-1) secures their first winning season since a 7-1 record in 2005. The loss for Saskatchewan — their second against Alberta this season — drops their conference record to 4-2.

Coupled with their 26-22 road win over the Huskies in late September, this season marks the first time since 2004 that Alberta has earned two conference wins over Saskatchewan in the same season.

The win almost guarantees a home playoff game for Alberta, who sit a full game ahead of Saskatchewan in the standings, also owning the tie-breaker with a 2-0 record in head-to-head meetings.

With a win and a UBC loss to Calgary on Saturday, the Bears now own sole possession of first place in Canada West.

Alberta led by 11 after the opening quarter, and again by 10 midway through the fourth quarter, with the Huskies storming back each time. The Huskies tied the game at 20's with 9:51 left in the fourth, with the teams exchanging punts before the Bears walk-off field goal.

Peterson — the top rusher in the nation — turned in another stellar performance for Alberta, racking up 192 rush yards on 22 carries, adding a touchdown. Eli Hetlinger finished with 263 passing yards on 20/32 passing in the win.

Alberta finished with a 209-109 advantage on the ground, and a 453-354 advantage in offensive yards.

With his 11 points scored on Saturday, Giustini is now just seven points away from setting the new Bears all-time scoring record.

Anton Amundrud tossed for 262 yards on 18/30 passing for Saskatchewan. Ryker Frank rushed for 74 yards on just six carries, with Josh Ewanchyna adding 27 on seven rushes.

Alberta will visit the 3-3 Manitoba Bisons next weekend, looking to clinch a home playoff game. Saskatchewan will return home for a meeting with the 1-5 Calgary Dinos.