VICTORIA, B.C. — The UBCO Heat women's basketball team (2-2) dropped a narrow 78-76 decision to the Victoria Vikes (2-2) on Saturday night, despite the Heat's 12 steals and a resilient fourth-quarter effort.

Kanani Coon led the team with 24 points, converting four three-pointers and adding six rebounds. Aiko Williams contributed 10 points, including three shots from beyond the arc, and also recorded two steals. Lily Pink added 13 points and three assists while collecting four steals. Tsuki Tsuzuki supported the offensc with eight points and a team-high five assists, alongside six rebounds.

Avery Geddes led Victoria with 20 points, complemented by seven assists and three steals. Makena Anderson contributed significantly with 17 points and seven rebounds, hitting two 3-pointers. Abigail Becker added 13 points and nine rebounds while also collecting two steals. Mimi Sigue made her presence felt with 12 points and two blocks.

The game began with Victoria jumping out to a 13-point advantage in the opening quarter. The Heat closed the gap with a 3-pointer by Williams and a subsequent free throw by Coon, but Victoria maintained a 26-20 lead at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Victoria extended their lead to eight points early, with Geddes scoring a fast-break jumper early on, assisted by Becker. UBCO responded with a series of strong plays, including back-to-back three-pointers from Coon, tying the score at 32 with 7:08 left. Victoria, however, regained control with a series of successful layups, including two from Becker, pushing the score to 38-32. UBCO's Temi Aina brought the visitors within two with a three-pointer late in the half, but Sigue's free throws in the final minute helped Victoria maintain a narrow 46-42 advantage heading into halftime.

Victoria extended their lead to 10 points at the midway point of the third quarter, highlighted by a fast-break layup from Geddes. The Heat attempted to close the gap, with Tsuzuki scoring a layup in the paint, but Victoria's defence held strong, recording two blocks and forcing six turnovers from UBCO. The quarter ended with Eden Henderson sinking two free throws, bringing Victoria's lead to six, 56-50.

The fourth quarter featured a determined push by the Heat, who once trailed by as many as 12 points in the frame. Coon was instrumental, scoring a layup with 13 seconds remaining and hitting the corresponding free throw to tie the game at 76-76. However, Victoria's Sigue responded with a layup with seven seconds remaining giving Victoria a narrow 78-76 lead. Despite a last-second attempt by Coon, the Heat could not complete the comeback, as Victoria held on for the win.

In their next game, UBCO will travel to face the UFV Cascades on Friday, Nov. 7, at 6 p.m. in Abbotsford, B.C. The game can be seen live on CanadaWest.tv presented by BioSteel.