KELOWNA, B.C. - The UBC Okanagan Heat women's basketball team secured their second-consecutive decisive victory over the Thompson Rivers WolfPack, setting a new team record for fewest points allowed in a Canada West game, as they defeated their Interior rivals 64-29 on Saturday afternoon at the UBCO Gymnasium.
Lauren Foullong led the Heat with 27 points, a new season-best, hitting six three-point attempts and recording a perfect 5-for-5 game from the free-throw line. Notably, her performance earned her player of the game honours, as she also contributed four rebounds and three assists. Foullong is now up to 40 three-pointers this season, just five away from her own single-season team record of 45.
Tsuki Tsuzuki also made a significant impact with her three-point shooting, hitting 3-of-4 from beyond the arc.
Kelsey Falk was notable on defence, recording a team-high of five steals, contributing to her total of five rebounds.
Lily Pink added defensive pressure with two blocks and two steals, while also contributing eight points and five rebounds.
In the first quarter, the Heat took an early lead, highlighted by Foullong's three successful three-pointers, the first occurring at the start of the quarter. She led the way with 13 points in the first quarter alone. The Heat capitalized on turnovers, with Tsuzuki and Falk each securing steals, contributing to the team's defensive strength. Remarkably, the Heat held TRU scoreless for the first nine minutes and 31 seconds of the quarter. TRU got their first point from Kylee Koppes on a free throw.
Kiana Kaczur added to the scoring streak with a jumper and a free throw late in the quarter, helping the Heat to a commanding 23-1 lead over the WolfPack.
In the second quarter, UBCO outscored Thompson Rivers 12-7, highlighted by key plays from several players.
Aiko Williams started the quarter strong with a three-pointer assisted by Tsuzuki at the start. Pink added to the offence with a successful jumper moments later, assisted by
Temi Aina, who also contributed defensively with a steal. Foullong made another three-pointer late in the quarter, assisted by Aina, and
Kiana Kaczur added a jumper before the buzzer to stretch the Heat's lead. Incredibly, the team would hold the WolfPack without a field goal until there were two minutes and 56 seconds remaining in the half as UBCO took a 35-8 lead into the break.
The third quarter saw UBCO continue to stretch their advantage. Falk was instrumental, securing multiple defensive rebounds and contributing a key jumper at the 5:30 mark, assisted by Foullong. Pink added to the momentum with a three-pointer, again with an assist from Foullong. Tsuzuki also made a significant impact, hitting two three-pointers, both late in the frame and both assisted by Falk as the Heat led by 33 after 30 minutes.
In the fourth quarter, the two teams traded baskets as UBCO refused to give the WolfPack any breathing room as they cruised to the victory.
With the win, the Heat improve to 6-10 on the season as they now sit two games up on the UNBC Timberwolves for the fifth and final playoff spot in the Pacific division. As for Thompson Rivers, they fall to 1-17.
The Heat will be back on the road next weekend as they get set to face the nationally-ranked UBC Thunderbirds (14-2) in Vancouver. The first game of the weekend doubleheader is set for Friday, February 7 at 5:30 p.m. Fans can catch the game live on CanadaWest.tv presented by BioSteel.
