EDMONTON - The UBC Okanagan men's basketball team had no answers for Lars Ishimwe in the fourth quarter as he dropped a season-high 34 points for the Alberta Golden Bears in their 96-88 victory over the Heat on Saturday evening.
Hafith Moallin (Mississauga, Ont.) scored a season-high 21 points to help keep the Heat within striking distance. His suffocating defence led to four steals for himself and helped create opportunities for his teammates to force turnovers.
Gus Goerzen (Roberts Creek, B.C) and
Jonathan Haughton (Kelowna, B.C) were two catalysts in trying to mount a fourth quarter comeback. Trailing by as many as 20 points in the second half, both Goerzen and Haughton made difficult shots late in the game to pull the Heat within two points. Both were also key in forcing turnovers as their on-ball pressure was suffocating. Goerzen finished the night with 19 points and six rebounds while Haughton finished with 10 points and two steals off the bench.
The Golden Bears were led by Ishimwe's (Edmonton) career night but Isaac Simon (Regina, Sask.) gave them very good minutes as he finished with 16 points and nine rebounds. Simon was able to create some and give second opportunities for his teammates to make plays.
TOP PERFORMERS
Hafith Moallin – UBCO
The fourth-year guard continues to be an energizer off the bench with his on-ball defence and ability to create offence for himself. Moallin hit difficult shots en route to his 21 points but his four steals helped the Heat close the deficit to a couple points late in the fourth quarter. Moallin added in five rebounds and three assists to his efficient night.
Lars Ishimwe – Alberta
The fourth-year guard was unstoppable for the Golden Bears as he hit a number of clutch buckets down the stretch. As the Heat closed the gap to two points in the fourth quarter, Ishimwe was able to extend their lead with tough layups, threes, mid range jumpers and got just about anything he wanted against the Heat defence. He finished with 34 points and four rebounds.
WHERE THEY SIT
The Heat drop to 4-8 and are now on the outside of the playoff picture looking in, a game behind the Calgary Dinos for the final playoff spot. The Golden Bears improve to 6-4 as they move into sixth in the conference.
UP NEXT
The Heat will be back in action at The Furnace on Friday, January 13th against the Mount Royal Cougars. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. and tickets for the game will be available at the door.
