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University of British Columbia Okanagan

UBCO guard Jalen Shirley looks to score between two defenders during action against the Manitoba Bisons in Winnipeg.
1812 Photography
78
UBC Okanagan BCO 0
83
Winner Manitoba MAN 0
UBC Okanagan BCO
0
78
Final
83
Manitoba MAN
0
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
UBC Okanagan BCO 17 26 21 14 78
Manitoba MAN 29 15 18 21 83

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | | Natalie Tsang

Men's Basketball eliminated from playoff contention with loss to Manitoba

The Heat and Bisons went toe-to-toe in a gritty affair on Friday in Winnipeg with the Bisons emerging with a 83-78 win

WINNIPEG - In a gritty battle with playoff implications looming large, the UBC Okanagan Heat men's basketball team clashed fiercely against the Manitoba Bisons, trading blows in an intense back-and-forth encounter. However, it was the Bisons who emerged victorious with an 83-78 win on Friday night at the IGAC Gymnasium in Manitoba.

Leading the charge for the Heat was Jalen Shirley of Brampton, Ont., who poured in an impressive 26-point performance, connecting on 10 of his 22 attempts from the field. Alongside Shirley, Hafith Moallin of Mississauga, Ont., proved to be another crucial offensive asset for the Heat throughout the contest as he finished with 16 points. Despite UBCO's efforts to seize control of the game, both teams struggled to maintain a decisive advantage, resulting in a fiercely contested back-and-forth matchup marked by full-court pressure and physical man-to-man defence.

Moallin's efforts were on full display as he withstood numerous challenges, hitting the floor several times but still managing to convert critical shots from all areas of the court, including contested threes and jumpers. His defensive game was also on point as he posted three steals, giving him 172 on his career and moving him into 18th on the Canada West all-time steals list. As the fourth quarter unfolded, the Heat initially held the lead, but as the game entered the final two minutes, the two teams were separated by just two points, highlighting the high stakes and intensity of the contest as both teams battled relentlessly for supremacy.

With playoff aspirations hanging in the balance, every possession carried immense significance, amplifying the pressure on both sides. Despite the Heat's valiant efforts, the Bisons ultimately clinched the victory with a final score of 83-78.

For the Bisons, Daren Watts emerged as their standout performer, leading his team with 21 points while adding five rebounds, making crucial plays and sinking 5-of-6 free throws to bolster their lead.

Additional standout performances for the Heat included Jas Dhudwal, who recorded a double-double with 11 rebounds and 11 points, along with eight assists as he finished just shy of a triple-double. Along with Moallin's 16 points, he also added nine rebounds while Gavin Ashworth chipped in with 11 points.

WHERE THEY SIT
With the loss, the Heat have now been eliminated from playoff contention, sitting at a 6-13 record, two games behind Mount Royal and UFV for the final playoff spot in the conference with just one game remaining. As for the Bisons, they improve to 12-7 and sit seventh in the Canada West standings as they get set to host the Canada West Championship tournament in two weeks time.

UP NEXT
UBCO will wrap up their season on Saturday, February 10 as they wrap up their weekend doubleheader with the Bisons. The action tips off on Friday at 5 p.m. Pacific with fans able to catch the action live on CanadaWest.tv.
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