VICTORIA - The UBC Okanagan Heat women's basketball team lost a narrow decision on the road on Saturday afternoon, falling 70-65 to the Victoria Vikes.
Tsuki Tsuzuki led the way for the Heat with 16 points, including a strong opening quarter where she scored 10 points. She also contributed a season-best and career-high six steals, demonstrating a robust performance both offensively and defensively.
Temi Aina was another key player, scoring 13 points. She was also impressive on the boards, securing nine rebounds, tying her season-high, which including a career-best five offensive boards, to go along with four steals, highlighting her versatility on the court.
Kelsey Falk also made significant contributions, scoring eight points while securing five rebounds.
Fresh off a big win over Trinity Western two days prior, the Heat got off to a strong start as they led 22-19 after the opening quarter. UBCO displayed strong offensive performance, shooting eight-for-20 from the field, capitalizing on Victoria's seven turnovers. The Heat's bench came up big, scoring five points, while their defence secured four steals.
Victoria responded in the second quarter as they outscored the Heat by 10 to take a lead into the break. Despite forcing seven turnovers and recording four more steals, the Heat were only able to connect on four shots in the frame as they found themselves down 41-34 at halftime.
In the third quarter, the Heat and Vikes were evenly matched, each scoring 16 points. UBCO got three-pointers from both
Lauren Foullong and
Aiko Williams, while the team's defensive efforts continued to shy, recording another seven steals. The effort kept the Heat within striking distance heading to the fourth.
The final frame saw the Heat close the gap to just one point after four consecutive points from
Kiana Kaczur. However, they were unable to even the score and despite their best efforts late, dropped their first matchup against the Vikes this season.
The loss drops the Heat back into a tie for fifth place in the Canada West Pacific division with the UNBC Timberwolves with both clubs holding a 4-10 record. As for Victoria, they improve to 9-5.
With their four-game road swing over, UBCO returns to the friendly confines of the UBCO Gymnasium where they will face the TRU WolfPack (1-15) on Friday, January 31 as Presidents' Cup action resumes. The first game of the weekend doubleheader is set for 5 p.m. and a victory by the Heat will secure them the women's Presidents' Cup trophy for the fourth consecutive year.
Tickets for the game can be purchased at the door on game day.
