KELOWNA, B.C. — The UBCO Heat men's basketball team (0-1) fell to the Thompson Rivers WolfPack (1-0) 76-57 on Friday at the UBCO Gymnasium.

Jalen Shirley scored 17 points and was perfect from the free-throw line, converting all nine attempts while also adding four assists to lead the Heat. Lamine Conde contributed 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Wisdom Sunday recorded four points and made his presence felt defensively with three blocks. Isaak Moore added eight points, including two 3-pointers, to round out the offensive contributions.

Jayden Stephens led Thompson Rivers with 23 points and secured eight rebounds, hitting eight of 12 shots. Dami Farinloye followed closely with 17 points and a team-high 10 rebounds, adding two steals and one block.

The opening quarter saw the Heat take a slight edge over Thompson Rivers. UBCO's offensive efforts were led by Shirley and Moore, each contributing crucial points. A significant moment occurred when Mike Adarkwah-Nti hit a 3-pointer with 2:28 remaining, giving UBCO their largest lead of the half at four points. Moore's jumper in the final seconds of the half ensured UBCO entered the break with a narrow 19-17 lead.

UBCO gained early momentum in the second quarter with Moore's 3-pointer, assisted by Anthony Brady, extending their lead to four points. Sunday's dunk, following a Conde assist, further secured their position. 

However, Thompson Rivers responded effectively, eventually overtaking the lead with four minutes to play with a layup by Stephens. Shirley kept the contest tight, scoring a crucial layup shortly after to level the score. Despite UBCO's strong defensive efforts, including two blocks by Sunday, Thompson Rivers edged ahead by the end of the half, leading 39-37.

UBCO gained momentum early in the second half with Conde's 3-pointer less than a minute in, quickly answering a five-point lead by Thompson Rivers. Brady's defensive prowess was highlighted with a block, and he further energized the home team with a dunk and a three-pointer, putting UBCO ahead 50-49 midway through the frame. 

Brady continued his impact with a defensive rebound and an assist to Julien Malfair for a go-ahead dunk with 1:41 remaining, giving the home team a brief lead. Despite the back-and-forth nature of the quarter, it concluded with the teams tied at 52-52, as both sides struggled to find a decisive edge. UBCO outscored Thompson Rivers 15-13 in the half, setting up a tense final stretch.

UBCO struggled to find momentum in the final quarter, falling behind early as Thompson Rivers expanded their lead with a series of successful plays. Despite several attempts by Brady and Conde to close the gap, UBCO faced challenges in converting opportunities, resulting in only two baskets during the quarter.

Thompson Rivers maintained control with an effective offence, highlighted by Stephens' consistent scoring. UBCO managed to add a dunk by Conde and a late three-pointer from Adarkwah-Nti, but ultimately, Thompson Rivers secured the victory. 

The next challenge for UBCO is a trip to Prince George, B.C., where they will face the UNBC Timberwolves. The game is set for Sunday, Oct. 26, with tip-off at 4:00 p.m. The game can be seen live on CanadaWest.tv presented by BioSteel.