KELOWNA, B.C. - The UBC Okanagan Heat men's basketball team fell to the Thompson Rivers WolfPack 86-73 on Friday at UBCO Gymnasium during the team's annual School Day Game.
Playing in front of 875 local elementary and middle school children,
Jalen Shirley led the Heat with 22 points, shooting 50% from the field and contributing six assists. He now sits two points shy of 1000 for his career.
Isaak Moore was effective from beyond the arc for the Heat, hitting 3 of 6 three-point attempts, showcasing a 50% success rate from long range.
Mike Adarkwah-Nti provided defensive support with three steals, while also adding five points and three assists.
Lamine Conde added 14 points and grabbed five rebounds, with a crucial three-pointer late in the first quarter to bring the game within one point.
Cole Koop was perfect from the field, scoring five points on 100% shooting, including one three-pointer, and played a solid defensive game throughout.
Asher Mayan led the TRU with a standout performance, scoring 23 points on eight of 14 shooting, including four of five from beyond the arc. Mayan also contributed six rebounds, three steals, and one assist. Dami Farinloye supported the offensive effort with 17 points, hitting six of 15 shots and securing five rebounds, three steals, and four assists.
The first quarter between the Heat and WolfPack was closely contested, ending with the WolfPack leading 20-19. The quarter started with Asher Mayan scoring the first points for the WolfPack with a jumper.
Isaak Moore of UBCO responded with two three-pointers, helping his team maintain their lead early on.
Lamine Conde sunk a late three-pointer in the quarter, bringing the game within 1 point. Turnovers were a significant factor contributing to the back-and-forth nature of the quarter.
In the second quarter, both teams matched each other's shooting, with UBCO and TRU each making six baskets. Towards the end,
Leon Schenker scored two crucial three-pointers for UBCO, assisted by
Isaak Moore, but Dami Farinloye's layup and three-pointer helped Thompson Rivers secure an 38-33 lead at half.
The third quarter of the game saw UBCO outscore the WolfPack 29-23, overcoming an initial deficit. Early in the quarter, Thompson Rivers took control with Cyrus Harrison scoring a jumper, putting them ahead 40-33. UBCO's
Jalen Shirley responded with a jumper assisted by
Isaak Moore, narrowing the gap to 40-35. Asher Mayan and Denys Bachurin of Thompson Rivers extended the lead with consecutive three-pointers, bringing the score to 48-38. However, UBCO mounted a comeback with
Mike Adarkwah-Nti's free throws at the end, securing a 62-61 lead for the Heat by the quarter's close.
In the fourth quarter, the WolfPack capitalized on their offensive rebounds, securing six offensive boards that led to crucial second-chance points. Dami Farinloye was pivotal for Thompson Rivers, recording multiple layups, contributing to their 25 points in the quarter. UBCO's
Lamine Conde managed a couple of key layups but the Heat couldn't close the gap. Meanwhile,
David Usuomon threw down a big slam dunk with one minute left, shortening a WolfPack lead, yet it wasn't enough to prevent the 86-73 victory for TRU.
The loss drops the Heat's record to 4-11 on the season while WolfPack improved to 9-8.
With the Presidents' Cup series between the Heat and WolfPack now tied at three wins apiece, Saturday's game will determine the winner of the 2024-25 men's Presidents' Cup. The two teams will tipoff at 1 p.m. on February 1 at the UBCO Gymnasium. Tickets for the game can be purchased at the door on game day.
