KELOWNA, B.C. - The UBCO Heat women's basketball team (5-3) triumphed over the UNBC Timberwolves (0-7) with a 61-40 win at the UBCO Gymnasium to sweep their season series on Friday night.

The Heat forced 23 turnovers and snagged 12 steals to secure the victory on home turf.

Tennyson McCarthy tallied 13 points and grabbed seven rebounds, along with two steals to lead the way for UBCO. Tsuki Tsuzuki was impressive with 15 points and four steals. Ava Heppner dominated the boards with 10 rebounds, four of which were on the offensive glass. Kiana Kaczur chipped in 10 points and pulled down six rebounds.

Aurora Cabrera shone for UBCO, notching 10 rebounds and eight points. Her defensive presence was felt with two blocks and two steals. 

The Heat came out strong in the first quarter with sharp offensive play, highlighted by Lily Pink's early 3-pointer assisted by Temi Aina, setting the pace for UBCO. The Heat's defence was equally solid, restricting UNBC's scoring chances and grabbing key rebounds. A 3-pointer from Kaczur late in the quarter, assisted by Aiko Williams, extended the lead to seven points, ending the quarter 16-9 in favour of UBCO.

UBCO kept the momentum in the second quarter, with Williams' 3-pointer pushing the lead to eight points. Despite some turnovers, the Heat capitalized on defensive stops, highlighted by a Tsuzuki jumper and a steal leading to a McCarthy layup inside the final minute of play. The quarter ended with both teams adding 11 points each, keeping UBCO ahead at 27-20.

The Heat solidified their dominance in the third quarter, with Tsuzuki spearheading a critical run with consecutive layups starting just minutes in, widening the gap. She added key free throws late in the frame, pushing UBCO's lead to 10 points, the largest margin of the game. Defensively, McCarthy's crucial steal in the final seconds ensured control was maintained. Despite UNBC's efforts, UBCO ended the period up 41-31.

In the fourth quarter, the Heat maintained their grip on the game, extending the lead with crucial plays. Pink and Kaczur both hit 3-pointers in the quarter while Tsuzuki and Heppner added key scores. UBCO's defence would ensure the game would stay out of reach for the Timberwolves, holding them to just three field goals in the quarter. The Heat wrapped up the game with a commanding 61–40 victory.

Looking ahead, UBCO will take on the Trinity Western Spartans on Friday, Nov. 21, with tip-off at 6 p.m. at the Spartans' home court in Langley, B.C. Fans can catch the game live on CanadaWest.tv presented by BioSteel.

Game Notes:
- Heppner achieved a career-best with 10 rebounds in the victory
- Kaczur's 10 points marked a new season-high for the sophomore guard
- the Heat have won six of their last eight meetings with the Timberwolves