Box Score KELOWNA, B.C. - After over two months without a game, the UBC Okanagan men's basketball team dueled it out with the UNBC Timberwolves on Friday night in a game that was determined by a buzzer-beater in a 79-77 loss for the Heat at The Furnace.
The Heat were itching to get back on the hardwood after an elongated break due to game postponements. The team came out aggressive from the jump but were never able to build a substantial lead. No team gained more than a three-point advantage in each quarter, as the score was back and forth throughout.
Guz Goerzen of Robert Creek B.C., had himself a night as he paced the Heat's efforts. The second-year guard felt confident inside and out as he shot 9-for-14 from the field and 2-for-6 from behind the arc ending with 21 points. Goerzen dished out four assists and secured eight boards to go along with his scoring exploits.
On the other end, Tyrell Laing of Prince George B.C., had an impactful night for the Timberwolves. The fifth-year guard dropped in 18 points and went 7-for-7 from free throw the line. In addition to his offensive contribution, Laing snagged five steals, putting constant pressure on the Heat's offence.
In a back and forth game, the Heat had a five-point advantage with fifty seconds left. The Timberwolves found Laing for a fast break three-pointer that resulted in a four-point play. Following that, the Heat had an unfortunate turnover and the result was a buzzer-beater three-pointer taken by Spencer Ledoux of Kamloops B.C., to steal the game for the visitors.
Though it wasn't the ideal result, the Heat had a number of good things to take away from the game. The team showed out the entire night on the defensive end forcing 16 turnovers and securing 48 rebounds over the Timberwolves 34. Additionally, on offence, the Heat moved the ball unselfishly tallying 23 assists with three players having four each.
The Heat will be back for vengeance tomorrow as the two teams will rematch at 6 p.m. at The Furnace. Tickets for the game can be purchased at the door.
