KELOWNA, B.C. - The UBC Okanagan Heat men's basketball team fell to the University of Victoria Vikes with a final score of 95-71 on Friday at the UBCO Gymnasium to kick off the final weekend of the 2024-25 regular season.

Jas Dhudwal led the Heat with 17 points, 17 rebounds, and two blocks, hitting 58.3% of his baskets. Dhudwals performance tonight marked a new career high in points and tied his career best for rebounds in a single game. Jeffrey Tezo also contributed 14 points, connecting on 38.5% of his shots while also adding three assists and one steal.

In the first quarter UBCO scored 12 points in the paint and collected 11 total rebounds demonstrating a strong presence inside.  Jas Dhudwal led the team with two successful baskets, including a 3-pointer, while contributing on defense with a block.

During the second quarter, the Heat kept the score close with the Vikes, showing resilience and determination. The Heat's offensive efforts were highlighted by their eight points in the paint, six points off second-chance opportunities and making all five of their free throw attempts. Defensively, UBCO collected 15 rebounds, tallying one more than the Vikes.

In the third quarter, UBCO scored 22 points, closely trailing UVIC, who put up 25. The Heat shot eight-for-14 from the field, including two-for-three from beyond the arc. Despite six assists and seven total rebounds, UBCO struggled with turnovers, committing four in the quarter. 

Despite their effort in the fourth quarter the Heat were unable to capitalize on second-chance opportunities. The Vikes, on the other hand, utilized their bench and transition game, scoring nine points from the bench and ten fast-break points to claim the game 95-71.

With tonight's loss the Heat's record falls to 4-15 while the undefeated Vikes improve to 19-0 with one game left in the 2024-25 regular season.

UBCO is back at home tomorrow night as they will go round two against the visiting Victoria Vikes for the season finale of the 2024-25 regular season. Tomorrow night is also graduating seniors night where the Heat will recognize Jas Dhudwal, Jeffrey Tezo, Elan Kimpton-Cuellar, Jonathan Haughton, Gavin Ashworth and Imodu Ibrahim and celebrate all six athletes contributions to the Heat. Tipoff is set for 6 pm PST. Tickets can be purchased at the door on game day.