KELOWNA, B.C. – The UBC Okanagan Heat men's basketball team were unable to keep pace with the U SPORTS No. 3-ranked UBC Thunderbirds on Friday night at the UBCO Gymnasium, dropping an 93-50 decision.
 
The visitors had a strong shooting performance as they fired at a 51.4 percent clip from the floor compared to just 26.8 percent for the Heat. They also showcased their depth, scoring 46 points off the bench while the Heat managed 25.
 
Jalen Shirley of Brampton, Ont., topped the Heat with 12 points in the contest while Leon Schenker of Vernon, B.C., was named Player of the Game for UBCO with 11 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.
 
Four members of the Thunderbirds scored in double figures, led by 16 points off the bench from Victor Radocaj of Richmond, B.C., who also added six rebounds and two blocks.
 
The loss drops the Heat to 3-6 on the campaign while the nationally-ranked Thunderbirds improve to 6-3.
 
UBCO will close out the 2024 portion of their schedule on Saturday evening when they host the UFV Cascades at the UBCO Gymnasium. Game time is set for 6 p.m. and tickets for the game can be purchased at the door on game day.