Box Score LANGLEY, B.C. - The UBC Okanagan Heat men's basketball team saw their losing streak run to three games on Friday night as they lost 94-86 on the road to the Trinity Western Spartans.
The Heat came out with a purpose, making improvements from their past couple of games and scoring right off the jump. The intensity was tangible, as the team pressured the Spartans all game, forcing turnovers and drawing charges. At the half, the Heat were up and it was looking very positive as they ended the second quarter with back-to-back three-pointers from Gavin Ashworth of Beaverlodge, Alta.
The second half was a different story as the Spartans poured in 53 points, a pace which the UBCO couldn't maintain as they ultimately dropped their first of three contests against the Spartans this season.
The Heat's offence was spearheaded by BB Chucks-Mady of Hamilton, and Keaton Souster of Edmonton. Both players finished the night with 15 points, making critical plays throughout the game. Chucks-Mady was all over the paint, connecting on tough interior shots with the defence draped all over him. Souster was locked in from three, going 3-for-5 including a couple of clutch buckets down the stretch.
Even with the strong performance offensively, the Heat missed the consistent contributions that Gus Goerzen of Roberts Creek B.C., usually provides. The second-year guard had a tough night, finishing with just two points off a 1-for-8 shooting effort.
The story of the night was Ja'Qualyn Gilbreath, of Amarillo, TX, who put the Spartans on his back. The fifth-year guard was a nightmare for the defence as his tight handles in combination with a quick trigger gave him 32 points to end the night.
Though the Heat's defence had trouble stopping Gilbreath, there were other mistakes that played into the loss. The Heat racked up three technical fouls and 16 turnovers. If they can clean up controllable mistakes the Heat will put themselves in a better position for a win in their upcoming match.
The second game of the doubleheader will be Saturday, January 29th at 5 p.m. All action can be streamed on Canada West TV presented by co-op.
