KELOWNA, B.C. - The 2025-26 fall term is coming to a close this weekend, with the Heat basketball teams set to face the nationally-ranked UBC Thunderbirds at home. Meanwhile, the volleyball teams will travel to Manitoba to take on the Brandon Bobcats in their final games before winter break.

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Men's Basketball 
November 28th vs UBC Thunderbirds - 5:30 p.m. - UBCO Gymnasium
November 29th vs UBC Thunderbirds - 4:30 p.m. - UBCO Gymnasium
Tickets - GoHeat.ca/Tickets
Webcast - CanadaWest.tv presented by BioSteel; CBCSports.ca or CBC Gem (Saturday only)

Men's basketball looks to get back into the win column this weekend as they return home to face the U SPORTS No. 6-ranked UBC Thunderbirds.

The Heat will host Retro Night Friday, where the men will be wearing throwback uniforms honouring the past OUC Lakers teams. Fans are encouraged to join in by dressing in '90s and early-2000s fashion to match the theme.

Last weekend, the Heat were down in Langley, where the men's basketball team ultimately fell to Trinity Western on both nights. On Saturday, fifth-year guard Jalen Shirley led the way with 20 points, including a pair of three-pointers and a 4-for-4 performance from the line. He currently ranks fifth in the conference in scoring, averaging 18 points per game.

The Thunderbirds remain undefeated against UBCO, but despite a tough weekend ahead against their nationally-ranked sister-school, the Heat will look to make history and secure their first win over UBC. 

Women's Basketball
November 28th vs UBC Thunderbirds - 7:30 p.m. - UBCO Gymnasium
November 29th vs UBC Thunderbirds - 6:30 p.m. - UBCO Gymnasium
Tickets - GoHeat.ca/Tickets
Webcast - CanadaWest.tv presented by BioSteel; CBCSports.ca or CBC Gem (Saturday only)

The women's team is also at home this weekend, taking on the U SPORT No. 8-ranked UBC Thunderbirds.

The last time the Heat met the Thunderbirds, they dropped both games to the nationally-ranked opponent. Despite last year's results, the Heat have found success in the past, earning wins against UBC in the 2022-23 season and will look to make their mark again this weekend. The matchup will also bring a familiar face to the court, as UBC forward Jaeli Ibbetson, former Heat player, returns home to Kelowna for the first time as a member of the opposition.

Last weekend, the Heat battled hard against the Trinity Western Spartans, falling just short in both games. Third-year forward Tennyson McCarthy led the team with 11 points and two blocks on Friday, then followed it up with a seven points and 11 rebounds on Saturday.

AWAY
Women's Volleyball 
November 28th at Brandon Bobcats - 4:00 p.m. (PT) - Brandon, Man.
November 29th at Brandon Bobcats - 3:00 p.m. (PT) - Brandon, Man.
Webcast - CanadaWest.tv presented by BioSteel

The Heat women are back on the road, travelling to Manitoba to take on the Brandon Bobcats.

The last time these teams faced off was in January 2023, when the Heat swept both matches 3-0.

Last Saturday, the Heat ultimately fell short but still secured a crucial point from a five-set battle against nationally-ranked TRU. Fourth-year setter Kylan Finseth led the team with an impressive 35 assists and five blocks. Natalie Funk stepped in as an outside hitter for the first time, playing out of her usual middle position, and delivered a sensational performance with 13 kills, three aces, nine digs, and two blocks, totalling 17.5 points.

Men's Volleyball 
November 28th at Brandon Bobcats - 5:45 p.m. (PT)  - Brandon, Man.
November 29th at Brandon Bobcats - 4:45 p.m. (PT) - Brandon, Man.
Webcast - CanadaWest.tv presented by BioSteel

Following a huge weekend sweep against the Thompson Rivers WolfPack, which extended their win streak to six, the Heat improved to 9-1 on the season and took over first place in Canada West. Securing the top spot in the conference standings, the Heat men are now on the road to face the Brandon Bobcats in Manitoba where they will be looking to set a school record for most wins since joining Canada West back in 2011-12. UBCO needs a sweep of the Bobcats to move to 11 wins on the season, breaking the previous team mark of 10 set in 2021-22 for most wins in Canada West.

Last weekend, the Heat, now ranked sixth in the U SPORTS Top 10, secured back-to-back victories, with Seba Manuel, one of this week's UBCO Heat Athletes of the Week, playing a key role. Manuel recorded 12 kills on Friday, including a crucial late fourth-set kill. He followed that up with 11 kills on Saturday, moving into second place in the conference with 136 total kills.