LANGLEY, B.C.- The UBC Okanagan Heat men's basketball team had no answer for Connor Platz on Friday night as he recorded 25 points, 16 rebounds and 6 blocks to will the Trinity Western Spartans to an 85-82 victory in Langley.
Platz (Langley, B.C.) was particularly impactful in the final quarter as the host Spartans rallied following an early Heat run as he scored 10 points in the final frame.
Gus Goerzen (Roberts Creek, B.C.) was on fire early on in this game for the Heat as he hit went 4-for-4 from three in the opening half. Goerzen also compiled seven rebounds and two steals. Unfortunately, Goerzen just missed the game-tying three that would have sent the game to overtime.
BB Chuks-Mady (Hamilton) once again provided a spark off the bench for the Heat as he finished with 12 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Chuks-Mady was the only person that had success against Connor Platz on both the offensive and defensive ends.
The Heat defence at the three-point line was exceptional as they allowed the Spartans to only hit one three, which came late in the fourth quarter.
TOP PERFORMERS
BB Chuks-Mady – UBCO
The fourth-year forward made his presence felt down low for the Heat. He started off slow from the field but as the game went on, Chuks-Mady was able to get into a rhythm. He finished with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and three blocks.
Connor Platz – TWU
The second-year center was the story of the night as he bullied the Heat inside. Platz made his presence felt on the defensive end recording six blocks and contesting everything at the rim. Platz got going offensively in the second half which saw him finish with 25 points and 16 rebounds.
WHERE THEY SIT
The Heat fall to 5-10 and look to make a late season run at the final postseason spot. The Spartans improve to 10-5 and sit comfortably in fourth place in the Canada West standings.
UP NEXT
The Heat will be back in action against the Trinity Western Spartans on Saturday, January 21
st in Langley. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. and the game can be seen on
Canada West TV.
