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University of British Columbia Okanagan

Ashworth pulls up vs Griffins
Will Thompson
62
MacEwan Griffins (M) GMU 0
90
Winner UBCO Heat (M) BCO 0
MacEwan Griffins (M) GMU
0
62
Final
90
UBCO Heat (M) BCO
0
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
MacEwan Griffins (M) GMU 22 18 9 13 62
UBCO Heat (M) BCO 21 24 23 22 90

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | | Natalie Tsang

Ashworth leads men’s basketball to historic win over Griffins

The Heat sealed the weekend sweep with a 90-62 victory as Gavin Ashworth scored a new career-high


KELOWNA, B.C. - In a Saturday night showdown between the UBC Okanagan Heat and the MacEwan Griffins men's basketball teams, the hosts delivered a stellar performance, securing a resounding 90-62 victory, etching a new program record into their history books with a commanding 28-point margin of victory, the largest in program history.

The Heat pulled away in the second half after a tightly contested opening 20 minutes. The Griffins would pull an opening quarter lead, but 24 points from UBCO in the second quarter saw them jump ahead before half. Maintaining the momentum into the fourth quarter, the Heat pulled away to secure the win and the weekend sweep.

The most notable performance of the night came from the Heat's Gavin Ashworth (Grand Prairie, Alta.), who set new career-highs with six made three-pointers and a personal-best 28 points. Ashworth's sharpshooting played a pivotal role in maintaining the lead, as the Griffins were unable to stop the offensive onslaught. Before tip-off, the Heat honored their lone graduate, Hafifth Moallin from Mississauga, Ont., in his final home court appearance. Moallin capped off the night with a stellar performance notching 13 points, eight assists, and an impressive six steals, elevating him into the top-25 in steals in Canada West history. Currently ranking 3rd in program history in points with 896, Moallin is also the all-time assist leader in the Heat's record book. His defensive intensity and leadership have been instrumental in the team's success throughout his career. Jas Dhudwal from Surrey, B.C., tied his own program record with 6 blocks and adding to his standout performance with 11 rebounds after his double-double display yesterday.

Also setting a career-best mark was Elan Kimpton Cuellar, of Roberts Creek, B.C., scoring 17 points, going a perfect 5-of-5 from the free-throw line and grabbing 10 rebounds. His impressive first-half display saw the forward score 10 points in the opening quarter.

Jalen Shirley from Brampton, Ont., joined the double-digit scoring crew with 17 points, showcasing an all-around game with five steals, and five assists, shooting an efficient 50 percent from the floor. Additionally, first-year Oaklen Kowal from Kelowna, B.C., made his debut on home court, sinking a three-pointer in the final quarter helping his team close out the win. TOP PERFORMERS 

Gavin Ashworth - UBCO
The third-year guard from Grande Prairie, Alta., achieved new career-highs tonight with a personal best of 28 points, also for sinking six three-pointers. Ashworth emerged as a cornerstone of the Heat offense tonight, leading the charge with his exceptional performance.

Milan Jaksic - GMU
Hailing from Windsor, Ont., the freshman led his Griffins tonight, notching 17 points with a 7-of-10 shooting from the field. Additionally, Jaksic secured four rebounds, playing a key role in his team grabbing a first quarter lead.

WHERE THEY SIT

Following the weekend sweep, the Heat improve their playoff odds, now holding a 6-12 season record. With the season-finale doubleheader on the horizon, wins are as crucial as ever. Meanwhile, MacEwan remains in pursuit of their first victory, sitting at 0-18 after today's loss.

UP NEXT

The Heat are set to take on the Manitoba Bisons (11-7) in Winnipeg next weekend. The excitement tips off on Friday at 6 p.m. (PT), and fans can catch the action, live on CanadaWest.tv.
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