VANCOUVER - The UBC Okanagan Heat women's basketball team fell to the U SPORTS No. 6-ranked UBC Thunderbirds 95-53 on Friday at the War Memorial Gymnasium.

Tennyson McCarthy stood out for the Heat, leading the team with 15 points and 12 rebounds. This performance marked her first career double-double as she set a new career-high with 12 rebounds.

Tsuki Tsuzuki contributed significantly with 10 points, including a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, and added her name to the team record books by setting the Heat rookie assist record. Her 46th assist of the season moved her past former Heat Surprise Munie for the most assists by a rookie in Heat history. 

UBC was paced by Mona Berlitz, who was one of five scorers to hit double figures in the victory, leading her team with 23 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals.

The Thunderbirds were in control from the opening tip as they jumped out to a 29-9 lead and led by 20 after the opening 10 minutes. UBC continued to pour in on in the second quarter and despite a three-pointer and a block from McCarthy, UBC held a 64-31 lead at the break.

UBC's strong play continued through the third quarter and it wasn't until the fourth that the Heat were able to find some offensive consistency. Early in the final frame, Lauren Foullong made two successful 3-pointers within a short span, helping the Heat narrow the gap. McCarthy was also strong in the final quarter, scoring seven points to secure her first career double-double.

Despite the strong finish, the Heat would drop the opener of the weekend doubleheader.

The loss drops the Heat's record to 6-11 while the Thunderbirds continue to sit atop the Canada West Pacific division with a 15-2 record. While UBCO did come out on the losing end, they moved one step closer to securing a playoff berth following UNBC's (4-13) loss to Trinity Western (9-8) as they Heat have a two-game lead on the Timberwolves with three games remaining in the regular season.

Up next, UBCO will look to bounce back when they rematch against the Thunderbirds on Saturday. Tipoff is schedule for 4 p.m. and the game can be seen live on CanadaWest.tv presented by BioSteel.