PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. — The UBCO Heat men's basketball team (1-1) got past the UNBC Timberwolves (0-1) 73-71 at Brownridge Court on Sunday, capitalizing on 18 steals to secure the win.
Jalen Shirley led the scoring with 27 points, converting 11 of his 19 shots and sinking four three-pointers. Rookie
Anthony Brady contributed with 11 points and topped the team with nine rebounds.
Larry Shyaka Gisa was active defensively, collecting three steals while
Mathias Schertzer also made his presence felt on defense with two steals.
Evgeny Baukin led the Timberwolves with 30 points and Justin Sunga contributed 17 points and grabbing five rebounds, while also recording three steals.
The first quarter saw Brady and Shirley lead an early charge for the Heat. However, the Timberwolves managed to build a significant lead of 12 points late into the frame, largely due to their efficient shooting. UBCO narrowed the gap late in the half, with Gisa converting three free throws in the final seconds. The first half concluded with the Timberwolves ahead 20-15.
UBCO mounted a strong offensive effort in the second half, narrowing UNBC's lead to just one point.
Mike Adarkwah-Nti provided a key layup and free throw early in the quarter, contributing to UBCO's 22-point output. Brady's three-pointer at 5:32 further fuelled the comeback, while Shirley's jumper at 4:21 kept the momentum going. Despite trailing by 11 points at one point, UBCO's robust defence, highlighted by seven steals, helped them close the gap. The half concluded with UBCO trailing by just two points, 39-37.
In the second half, UBCO pulled ahead with a decisive 11-point lead, highlighted by
Isaak Moore's early layup that tied the score at 39. Moore then drained a key three-pointer with an assist from Brady, giving UBCO a five-point advantage. Shirley further extended the lead with consecutive successful shots pushing the score to 48-41.
Lamine Conde's layup late in the quarter, followed by free throws from Shirley and Conde, solidified UBCO's control as the Heat took a 59-53 into the final 10 minutes.
In the final quarter, the Heat maintained their lead through strategic scoring and defensive plays.
Julien Malfair's early jumper, followed by a layup assisted by Shirley, extended UBCO's advantage to 63-54. Despite the Timberwolves' attempts to close the gap, Shirley's three-pointer deep into the shot clock midway through the frame kept UBCO ahead at 66-61.
Down the stretch, key baskets from Shirley and Moore gave the Heat a 70-62 lead. Brady secured two crucial free throws moments later giving UBCO their largest lead of the contest, 72-62. The Timberwolves mounted a late challenge, closing within one point with a dunk with just seven seconds remaining, but a free throw from Brady sealed UBCO's victory.
The next challenge for UBCO takes them on the road to face the Victoria Vikes on October 31. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. in Victoria, B.C., as the visitors take on the defending national champions. The game can be seen live on CBCSports.ca or on CanadaWest.tv presented by BioSteel.
Game Notes:
- Shirley's 27 points were the third-most he's scored in a single game in his Heat career.
