KELOWNA, B.C.-
Gus Goerzen had a career night as he finished with a career-high in points, free throws and steals to lead the UBC Okanagan Heat men's basketball team to a 91-79 victory over the Mount Royal Cougars on Saturday afternoon at The Furnace.
Goerzen, a native of Roberts Creek, B.C., made his presence felt all over the court for the Heat in a crucial game for his team. He poured in 28 points on 9-for-17 shooting, including 3-for-6 from three-point range, hit 7-of-8 free throw attempts while adding eight rebounds and four steals.
Jalen Shirley (Brampton, Ont.) also came up big for the Heat on the afternoon. He finished with 15 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and three steals.
Gavin Ashworth (Grand Prairie, Alta.) was a spark plug for the Heat off the bench, especially in the second quarter. Ashworth hit two threes to help extend the Heat lead in the second while also throwing down a massive dunk to. He would finish with 10 points off the bench.
The Cougars struggled with turnovers on the day as they had 21 as a team which led to 27 points for the Heat.
TOP PERFORMERS
Gus Goerzen – UBCO
The third-year guard had a career night for the Heat in many ways. His career-high 28 points paced the Heat offence while adding eight rebounds. His presence was felt on defence as well as he picked up a career-high four stelas.
Ijah Nelson – MRU
The first-year guard from Calgary, was a bright spot for the Cougars offence as he scored a team-high 23 points while adding five rebounds and two steals.
WHERE THEY SIT
The Heat improve to 5-9 and find themselves in the thick of the playoff race, just a game back of the final playoff spot. The Cougars drop to 7-5 but remain in fifth place in the Canada West standings.
UP NEXT
The Heat will travel to Langley, B.C on January 20
th as they take on the Trinity Western Spartans. Tip-off is slated for 8 p.m. and can be seen on
Canada West TV.
