ABBOTSFORD, B.C. — The UBCO Heat women's basketball team (3-2) rallied in the fourth quarter to knock off the UFV Cascades 70-64 on Friday night.

Tsuki Tsuzuki led the offence with 16 points, sinking six of 14 shots from the field. Aiko Williams added 17 points and four assists, while also converting four of six from beyond the arc. Tennyson McCarthy contributed five points and was active defensively with four steals. Lily Pink tallied 11 points and distributed seven assists, showcasing her playmaking abilities.

Julia Tuchscherer was a force for the Cascades as she poured in 25 points, to go along with 15 rebounds and four blocks.

UBCO started the game strong, opening on a 7-0 run highlighted by Tsuzuki's three-pointer at 7:52. Pink facilitated the offence effectively, contributing multiple assists as the Heat extended their lead. Williams' three-pointer with just under two minutes to play in the frame capped a decisive first quarter, giving UBCO a 14-point lead.

UBCO extended their lead with a significant stretch in the second quarter, highlighted by Williams' three-pointer a minute in and strong defensive plays. Sydney Lewis contributed with a jumper assisted by McCarthy, pushing the Heat's advantage to 31–11. Despite UFV's efforts, UBCO maintained control, with Pink adding another three-pointer midway through the frame to reach their largest lead of the night 21 points. The quarter concluded with UBCO ahead 43–28.

Williams sparked the Heat early in the third quarter with a three-pointer a minute in, extending their lead to 16 points. However, UFV responded with a strong offensive surge, capitalizing on turnovers and closing the gap. Despite defensive efforts and clutch plays, UBCO allowed the home team to tie the game at 52 with 50 seconds remaining. The third quarter ended with both teams locked at 52, setting up a tense final quarter.

UBCO began the fourth quarter with defensive intensity, generating seven steals and capitalizing on UFV turnovers. A pivotal moment came when Pink sank a 3-pointer with seven minutes to go, giving the Heat a 55-54 lead. Williams added a crucial 3-pointer with four minutes to play which helped UBCO maintain a narrow advantage.

Stefanie Hart delievered the final blow for the Heat, nailing a 3-pointer with 85 seconds to play, expanding the lead to 66-62. UBCO sealed the game with late free throws by Tsuzuki, ending the contest with a 70-64 victory over UFV.

Looking ahead, the Heat will face off against the U SPORTS No. 4-ranked UBC Thunderbirds on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 4 p.m. The matchup is set to take place in Vancouver and can be seen live on CanadaWest.tv presented by BioSteel.

Game Notes:
- Williams' 17 points were a new career high for the fifth-year guard
- The Heat's win snapped a six-game losing skid against UFV and was the team's first win in Abbotsford since 2015