KELOWNA, B.C. - The UBC Okanagan Heat men's basketball team had their playoff hopes officially dashed on Friday night as they fell 101-81 to the No. 1 Victoria Vikes at The Furnace.
The Heat were done in by the Vikes duo of Renoldo Robinson (Montreal, QB) and Diego Maffia (Victoria, B.C.) who combined to score 45 points for the top-ranked team in U SPORTS.
Gus Goerzen (Roberts Creek, B.C) was hot from the start of this game for the Heat as he finished with a team-high 27 points, one shy of his career mark. His seven threes was a season-high and he was able to keep the Heat within striking distance for most of the game.
BB Chuks-Mady (Hamilton, ON) was once again an energizer off the bench as he contributed 14 points and seven rebounds.
Maffia continued to show what makes him the nation's leading scorer as he was able to create offence for himself and go on his own fourth quarter run to put away the Heat. He finished with 21 points and four assists.
TOP PERFORMERS
Gus Goerzen – UBCO
The third-year guard was on fire for most of the game as his 27 points was a team-high. In the third quarter he hit three threes on three straight possessions to energize the crowd and keep the Heat within striking distance.
Renoldo Robinson – Victoria
The first-year guard did it all for the Vikes as he contributed heavily on offence and defence. Robinson finished with 24 points, five rebounds and five steals.
WHERE THEY SIT
The Heat fall to 5-14 on the season with the loss and unfortunately see their playoff hopes slip away. The nation's best team, Victoria, improves to 15-2 on the season as they look to close out the season strong.
UP NEXT
The Heat will be back in action on Saturday, February 4th for their season finale as they once again face the Vikes. Game time is 3 p.m. at The Furnace where the Heat will recognize their five graduating seniors,
Hafith Moallin,
Keaton Souster,
BB Chuks-Mady,
Liban Yousef and
Lansana Nwosu, in a pregame ceremony. Tickets for the game will be available for purchase at the door.
