KELOWNA, B.C. - The UBCO Heat men's basketball team (3-5) edged out a thrilling 82-79 victory over the UNBC Timberwolves (2-5) on Saturday at the UBCO Gymnasium. The Heat's determination shone through as they rallied from an 18-point deficit in the third quarter with a powerful 28-point surge in the fourth.

Jalen Shirley was the standout performer with 25 points, nine field goals, and five steals, making an impact on both ends of the court. Mike Adarkwah-Nti achieved a career-high 22 points, hitting 10 of 11 free throws, including the game-winning free throws in the final minute, and pulling down eight rebounds. Lamine Conde added a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds, bolstering the team's inside game. Isaak Moore contributed 11 points, including three crucial 3-pointers.

For UNBC, Evgeny Baukin led the charge with 25 points and adding two blocks. Isaiah Bias chipped in 14 points, six rebounds, and six assists, leading the team with five steals. 

The game began with UNBC taking an early lead, highlighted by Isaiah Bias's three-pointer just 18 seconds into the contest. UBCO struggled initially, falling behind 12-0 before calling a timeout. After the timeout, Shirley and Adarkwah-Nti began to find their rhythm, but UBCO still ended the frame trailing 25-14.

In the second quarter, UBCO made strides with Shirley's defensive prowess and offensive plays, notably a steal and layup midway through the quarter and a key 3-pointer late in the frame. Despite their efforts, UNBC extended their lead to 14 points at one stage. The half wrapped up with UNBC ahead 51–37.

As the game progressed into the second half, Conde made his presence felt with a dunk early in the third quarter and followed it with a layup and free throw at midway through, chipping away at the deficit. Shirley's defensive skills were on display with a steal, converted into a layup, underlining UBCO's tenacity. Though UNBC held firm, ending the quarter with a narrow 18–17 scoring advantage, the momentum was shifting.

In the final stretch, UBCO surged, led by Moore's 3-pointer just seven second in, cutting into UNBC's lead. Conde's consistent scoring inside fuelled UBCO's comeback, erasing the deficit and seizing the lead. Shirley's crucial 3-pointer with six minutes left helped maintain the momentum. UNBC briefly tied the game at 79-79, but Adarkwah-Nti's clutch free throws with just seven seconds left sealed the victory for UBCO. 

Looking ahead, the Heat will take on the Trinity Western Spartans on Friday, Nov. 21, at 8 p.m. in Langley, B.C. Fans can catch the game live on CanadaWest.tv presented by BioSteel.

Game Notes:
- Adarkwah-Nti's 22 points marked a new career-high for the Heat guard.
- Rookie Mathias Schertzer's nine rebounds set a new season-best for the forward.
- The Heat sweep the season series from the Timberwolves for the first time since 2019-20.