Box Score LETHBRIDGE, Alta. - The 17th seed UBC Okanagan Heat men's basketball team went into the 1st Choice Savings Centre and pulled off the biggest upset of the opening round of the 2022 Canada West playoffs as they beat the 10th seed Manitoba Bisons 83-73 on Thursday night.
It was a strong game on both ends of the court for the Heat, as they came out aggressive on the defensive end getting stops that set them up for good looks. Their defence was menacing all night as they racked up seven blocks and five steals.
The Heat would see their lead draw farther out through the night as they finished the third quarter with a 62-48 lead. UBCO was never really threatened in the final frame as a solid effort from everyone now the floor propelled them to a ten-point victory.
On the offensive end, the team had one of their stronger shooting nights of the year, firing at a 42.4 percent clip from the field and 44.4 percent from three. Fueled by Roberts Creek, B.C. product, Gus Goerzen, who got off to a hot start going 6-for-6 in the first half ending the night with 17 points and four rebounds.
Kevin Hamlet of Scarborough Ont., had another impactful night, finishing with 17 points 11 rebounds, and six assists. Hafith Moallin of Mississauga, Ont., was a nightmare for the defence as he added in 14 points along with seven rebounds and six assists. A huge spark for the Heat came from Elan Kimpton-Cueller who added nine points off the bench including two and-ones.
The Bisons were slow to warm up tonight as they shot a difficult 22.2 percent from the field and 65 percent from the free-throw line. James Taylor of Winnipeg, was one of the only players clicking for Manitoba as he finished with 18 points and three rebounds.
The Heat received contributions up and down the roster tonight and presented one of their best games of the season. "I think that our seeding did not really show how talented we are as a team," noted Heat assistant coach Luke Penner when asked about the game.
The Heat will go on to play the seventh seeded Lethbridge Pronghorns tomorrow night at 7 p.m. PT in the second round. All action can be streamed on Canada West presented by Co-op.
