KELOWNA, B.C. - The UBCO Heat women's basketball team defeated Thompson Rivers WolfPack 80-38 on Friday at UBCO Gymnasium, setting a new record for the largest margin of victory in team history with a 42-point win.

The victory allowed UBCO to claim victory in the women's Presidents' Cup competition for the 2024-25 season as they now lead the season series between the two Interior rivals with a 4-2 record with one game remaining in the competition. It marks the fourth consecutive season that the Heat have won the trophy from the WolfPack.

Kelsey Falk led the Heat with a standout performance contributing 13 points, securing seven rebounds, three steals and a perfect record at the free-throw line to take home Player of the Game honours. Lauren Foullong, Tsuki Tsuzuki and Kiana Kaczur matched Falk in scoring also putting up13 points. Lily Pink was a defensive presence, collecting seven rebounds and two blocks, while also contributing nine points and two steals.

The first quarter saw the Heat women's team take control with Kelsey Falk's key defensive rebounds and a three-point play. In the final minutes, Kiana Kaczur added another 3-pointer and a layup, giving UBCO a 16-11 advantage. The quarter concluded with Falk's fast-break jumper, securing a 22-16 lead for the Heat.

The second quarter saw a dominant performance from UBCO as they outscored the WolfPack 20-2. UBCO's Lauren Foullong initiated a scoring run with a 3-pointer followed by Lily Pink and Aiko Williams each adding three points to the tally boosting the team's lead. UBCO's defense was strong, forcing multiple turnovers and limiting TRU to only two points in the quarter. Heading into the second half, the Heat had already dominated with a 14-0 advantage in offensive rebounds.

In the third quarter, UBCO demonstrated strong offensive and defensive plays, outscoring the WolfPack 23-12. Lauren Foullong added to the score with a 3-pointer, and Lily Pink maintained pressure with a steal and a pair of free throws. UBCO's defence forced multiple turnovers, with notable plays from Kelsey Falk and Lily Pink, ensuring a comfortable lead by the end of the quarter.

The fourth quarter began with Abby Smith hitting a 3-pointer, assisted by Kelsey Falk, to put UBCO ahead 68-30. Ella Watkins contributed with a layup to make it 78-36, and Kaczur capped off the quarter with a jumper, sealing the score at 80-36. 

The win boosts the Heat's record to 5-10 on the season, moving them into the fifth and final playoff spot in the Canada West Pacific division. Meanwhile the WolfPack drop to 1-16.

With the Presidents' Cup series between the Heat and WolfPack concluded after the Heat's victory tonight, both teams will play one more time in the regular season on Saturday afternoon. The two teams tip off at 3 p.m. at the UBCO Gymnasium. Tickets for the game can be purchased at the door on game day.