KELOWNA, B.C. — The UBCO Heat women's basketball team (7-7) fell to Thompson Rivers WolfPack 53-45, in a closely contested matchup at the Tournament Capital Centre on Saturday evening.
Despite the setback, the Heat were able to retain the women's Presidents' Cup. The season series between UBCO and TRU in soccer, basketball and volleyball ended in a 3-3-1 tie, but the Heat came out on top in the tiebreak with 331 total points to the WolfPack's 315.
"As a team we are happy to bring home the Presidents' Cup but on the other hand tonight was disappointing," commented head coach
Bobby Mitchell after the game. "That starts with me. I didn't do a good job getting us prepared and not complacent, that's my fault."
Stef Hart led the way for the Heat in the contest finishing with 13 points, converting 54.5% of her field goal attempts.
Tennyson McCarthy recorded a double-double, scoring 11 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
Lily Pink made a significant contribution on the boards, securing 13 rebounds and adding four assists.
Kanani Coon added 11 points, including two 3-pointers, and registered two steals.
Sydney Vollrath led the scoring for TRU with 17 points, achieving a perfect performance from the free-throw line by converting all eight attempts. Olena Vasylenko added 13 points, contributing with two 3-pointers and collecting five rebounds.
The WolfPack capitalized on fast breaks during the first quarter, scoring six points on the break and converting six of eight free throws, which contributed to their early lead. The Heat struggled with shooting efficiency, making just three of 19 field goal attempts, despite securing five offensive rebounds. After the first quarter, TRU led 13-7.
The Heat used a strong shooting performance to outscore the WolfPack 16-5 in the second quarter, overcoming an early deficit. UBCO connected on seven of 20 field goals, including two 3-pointers, while dominating the glass with 15 rebounds, which helped limit TRU to just two made field goals in 15 attempts. UBCO's ability to capitalize on second chances was evident, contributing four points in the paint to take a 23-18 lead by halftime.
The Heat experienced a challenging third quarter, as the WolfPack's sharper shooting led to a 19-12 edge. UBCO struggled with shooting, converting five of 17 field goals, and committed six turnovers, which limited their scoring opportunities. Despite strong defensive efforts, including two blocks and two steals, UBCO ended the quarter trailing 37-35.
UBCO struggled with turnovers in the final quarter, committing six, which the WolfPack capitalized on to maintain control. Despite the Heat's effort in outrebounding TRU 13-8, their shooting faltered as they converted only four of 17 field goal attempts, including one of eight from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, TRU secured their lead by forcing turnovers and hitting seven of 12 free throws.
In their next game, the Heat will host the Mount Royal Cougars on Friday, Jan. 16 at the UBCO Gymnasium for their annual School Day Game. The matchup is set for 11 a.m. as the Heat will look to capitalize on an expected sellout crowd.
Game Notes:
- McCarthy recorded her second straight double-double
- Hart set a new career-best for points in a game with the Heat
- Pink's 13 rebounds were a new season-high
