VANCOUVER, B.C. — The UBCO Heat women's basketball team (3-3) were defeated by their sister-school rivals, the U SPORTS No. 4-ranked UBC Thunderbirds by a score of 70-51 on Saturday at the War Memorial Gym, overcoming a nine-block effort by the Heat.
Lily Pink led the Heat with 10 points and added two blocks and two steals, providing significant contributions on both ends of the floor.
Tsuki Tsuzuki scored 11 points, including a three-pointer, and recorded four rebounds, showcasing her scoring ability.
Tennyson McCarthy posted seven rebounds and blocked three shots, anchoring the defence effectively. Kiana Kazcur tallied eight points while making all of her free throws and contributing two steals to disrupt the opponent's offence.
Olivia Weekes was a force for the Thunderbirds with a commanding 30 points, including a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line, while also securing nine rebounds. Stella LaGrange contributed significantly with 12 points on 66.7% shooting and added seven rebounds.
UBCO managed to stay competitive in a tightly contested first quarter, leveraging a 47% shooting performance to match the home team's efforts. Despite committing seven turnovers, the Heat capitalized on three steals and two blocks to keep the score close. At the end of the quarter, the UBC held a narrow 21-19 lead.
UBCO struggled offensively in the second quarter, making only three of 19 field goal attempts, which contributed to a seven-point quarter. Despite this, they excelled defensively with five blocks and three steals. The Thunderbirds capitalized on their opportunities in the paint, scoring 10 points inside and ending the quarter with a 34-26 lead.
UBC capitalized on turnovers to outscore UBCO 20-17 in the third quarter. The home team converted 10 points off turnovers and dominated the paint with 14 points, while the Heat managed only 10. Despite being held without a 3-pointer, the Thunderbirds maintained control by committing just two turnovers compared to UBCO's six. After three quarters, the hosts led 54-43.
In the fourth, the Heat managed to cut the Thunderbirds lead to single digits. However, the hosts took control of the game late, scoring 16 points in the paint in the frame to pick up the win 70-51.
"I am really proud of the group," commented Heat head coach
Bobby Mitchell after the game. "After three straight weekends on the road, we've come out of it with a 3-3 record which sets us up great. The players handled things really well and that will go a long way for our season. We are excited to get home and continue to grow and improve."
In their next game, the Heat will host the UNBC Timberwolves on Friday, Nov. 14. The matchup is set for 7:30 p.m. at UBCO Gymnasium and tickets for the game can be purchased by visiting GoHeat.ca/Tickets.
Game Notes:
- the contest marked the first time former Heat standout Jaeli Ibbetson competed against her hometown team. She finished the match with six points, six rebounds and six assists.
