KELOWNA, B.C. - The UBC Okanagan Heat men's basketball team fell to the Thompson Rivers WolfPack 89-68 on Saturday at the UBCO Gymnasium.

Isaak Moore led the Heat with a career-high 16 points, including four 3-pointers, shooting 42.9 percent from the field. Jalen Shirley contributed significantly with 13 points and led the team in assists with six, while shooting 42.9 percent from the field. Notably, Shirley reached a major milestone, hitting 1,000 career points on a layup at 1:31 of the first quarter. Mike Adarkwah-Nti was active defensively, recording four steals and adding 11 points. 

For Thompson Rivers, Cyrus Harrison led his team with 12 points and contributing two steals. Asher Mayan also scored 12 points, maintaining a perfect free-throw shooting percentage. Reuben Wright was perfect from the field to add 10 points and secured six rebounds. 

The first quarter saw the WolfPack establish a big lead over the Heat, ending the frame with a 34-10 advantage. Denys Bachurin opened the scoring with a 3-pointer for Thompson Rivers, who quickly surged to a 9-3 lead, thanks in part to early contributions from Dami Farinloye and Simon Crossfield. The visitors maintained momentum with a series of fast-break points, highlighted by Erin Chamble and Thomas Olsen's assists leading to layups. The Heat struggled throughout the quarter, managing only 10 points, with Isaak Moore making an early 3-pointer and David Usuomon contributing a late jumper, but turnovers and missed shots hindered their scoring efforts.

During the second quarter, Thompson Rivers outscored UBCO 21-16. The quarter began with Leon Schenker scoring a jumper for UBCO, assisted by Cole Koop. Despite this, UBCO struggled with turnovers, committing six during the half. Simon Crossfield of Thompson Rivers had a notable performance, contributing with a layup and a jumper, while Moore responded with two consecutive 3-pointers, narrowing the gap. Evans Smith's early steal, followed by Dami Farinloye's offensive rebound and layup later in the half, helped maintain Thompson Rivers' lead.

The third quarter of the game saw both teams scoring 16 points each. Early in the half, Simon Crossfield of Thompson Rivers made a successful 3-pointer, assisted by Asher Mayan, putting the visitors ahead. UBCO's Lamine Conde responded with a 3-pointer and a fast-break layup, contributing to their scoring efforts. Reuben Wright of Thompson Rivers played a key role, scoring consecutive points with a layup and a jumper, while UBCO's Jalen Shirley also added points with a layup and a jumper. The Heat came out stronger after halftime, igniting a spark of momentum during this period. Additionally, the half featured strong defensive plays, including blocks by UBCO's Imoudu Ibrahim and Lamine Conde.

In the final frame, the Heat outscored the WolfPack 26-18 as they built upon their momentum gained in the third. UBCO's Isaak Moore made a notable 3-pointer at 74-47, assisted by Jalen Shirley, marking a brief scoring run for UBCO. Towards the end, Lamine Conde contributed significantly for the Heat with defensive rebounds and scoring, including a 3-pointer that narrowed the gap to 80-56. Despite these efforts, Thompson Rivers managed to maintain control with effective free throw shooting by Asher Mayan and a late 3-pointer from Jack Clayton, sealing their victory.

With the win, Thompson Rivers claims the 2024-25 men's Presidents' Cup title as they defeat UBCO 4-3. 

The Heat's record falls to 4-12 on the season while the WolfPack improve to 10-8.

UBCO will hit the road for their final two away contests of the season next week as they battle their sister-school rivals, the UBC Thunderbirds, in Vancouver. Game one of the weekend doubleheader is set for Friday, February 7 at 7:30 p.m. Fans can catch the action live on CanadaWest.tv presented by BioSteel.