SASKATOON, SK. – In the final matchup of a challenging four-game road stretch, the UBC Okanagan Heat men's basketball team went head-to-head with the Saskatchewan Huskies where they dropped a 98-83 decision at the PAC.

After finding themselves down by seven after the opening quarter, the Heat surged into action, mounting an impressive comeback in the second quarter that nearly closed the gap. Thanks to a Jalen Shirley (Brampton, Ont.) free throw, UBCO closed Saskatchewan's lead to just two but a 10-3 run from the hosts to close the half gave them a nine-point lead at the break. 

The Heat would continue to battle in the third quarter and once again, pulled the game to within a single score thanks to a key moment from Gavin Ashworth. The Grande Prairie, Alta., product, who had nine points in the opening half, converted a four-point play which cut the Huskies lead back down to two.

Lamine Conde of Montreal, who also had a standout first half with nine points, continued his impactful performance in the fourth quarter with a massive dunk while continuing his hot shooting from three-point range.

With a mere three minutes left on the clock, UBCO faced the pivotal task of determining the outcome and potentially securing a split in the weekend series. Despite finding themselves in a scenario reminiscent of the late stages of the previous night's matchup, the Heat, unfortunately, fell short in their spirited pursuit of a comeback once again.

The rookie guard out of Montreal showed his presence on court tonight for the Heat, finishing with 14 points, including connecting on 4-of-7 attempts from three-point range, eight rebounds, and three steals.

Once more, the fifth-year guard, hailing from Saskatoon, made a significant impact with 38 points along with five rebounds and three assists.

Following the weekend's defeat, the Heat drop to 2-10 in the Canada West standings while the Huskies improve to 8-4.

The Heat will head home and prepare for next week's doubleheader, hosting the Thompson Rivers WolfPack in Presidents' Cup action. Their first game is set for Friday, January 19th at 5 p.m. at the UBCO Gymnasium in Kelowna, B.C. Fans can purchase tickets at the door or enjoy the live action on CanadaWest.tv.