Box Score KAMLOOPS B.C. - Thanks to a big night from their bench, the UBC Okanagan Heat men's basketball team put an end to their seven-game losing streak to start the season as they knocked off the Thompson Rivers WolfPack 81-73 on Saturday evening.
Coming off a frustrating loss on Friday night, the Heat came into the contest with a chip on their shoulder that could be felt from the tip-off. The team put on a defensive clinic, pressing TRU and making them earn each bucket. Their intensity was rewarded with 15 forced turnovers, while holding the WolfPack to just 15 percent shooting from behind the arc.
In a must-win Presidents' Cup matchup, the Heat did not back down from the challenge. Contributions were made up and down the roster, with the offence getting most of their firepower from two key players coming off the bench. Liban Yousef of Edmonton, dropped 15 points while securing four rebounds and a clutch block which set up a jump shot on the other end in the fourth quarter. The second-year guard did not see the court on the Friday night game but was more than ready for his call to action tonight.
The Heat were faced with adversity down the stretch, seeing three of their big men foul out. Kevin Hamlet of Scarborough, Ont., had to sit down after picking up his fifth foul in the fourth quarter which came as a big loss to the team. The always intense and exciting forward finished the night with 11 points, seven rebounds, a block, and a steal. Hamlet has been a key player for the Heat team and tonight was no different.
A major spark was provided by Las Vegas, Nev. product, Jesse Vogel, who was feeling confident all night. The tenacious guard provided 21 points off the bench while shooting 7-for-13 from the field and a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line, icing the game at the end.
TRU kept it close with the help of second-year guard Asher Mayan from Langley, B.C., who put up 22 points. Mayan made a living at the line, shooting 16-for-17.
Thanks to their win, the Heat keep their hopes alive in the annual Presidents' Cup competition between UBCO and TRU. TRU continues to hold a 4-2-1 lead in the series with only two more men's volleyball games remaining. Should the Heat win both of the last two games, the winner will be decided by a point for and against tiebreaker.
The Heat will now break for the exams and holidays and will return to action in the New Year when they host the UBC Thunderbirds at The Furnace on Friday, January 13.
