Box Score KELOWNA, B.C. - The UBCO Heat men's basketball team (3-12) took a tough loss to the Mount Royal Cougars (9-6) on Friday night with a final score of 90-73 at UBCO Gymnasium.
Despite a strong start with a 14-point lead in the first half, the Heat couldn't maintain their momentum as Mount Royal outpaced them 49-31 in the second half.
Jalen Shirley led UBCO with 16 points, converting six field goals and adding four assists. This performance brought Shirley's career points to 1377 with the Heat, just 106 points shy of breaking Aldrich Berrios' school record of 1483, with five games left in the regular season.
Lamine Conde had a standout game, recording a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, including four 3-pointers.
Mike Adarkwah-Nti contributed nine points, three steals, and five rebounds.
Anthony Brady added 11 points, hitting three shots from beyond the arc.
For the Cougars, Kuach Gajak led with 16 points, hitting 6 of 9 from the field and collecting 10 rebounds. Kole Scott also scored 16 points, adding two steals and a block, while Jose Alba chipped in 14 points, making three 3-pointers and providing three assists.
UBCO took early control of the game with their perimeter shooting, hitting six 3-pointers in the first quarter. The Heat also capitalized on three turnovers, converting them into six points, which contributed to a 29-19 lead at the end of the half.
However, Mount Royal narrowed the gap significantly in the second half, outscoring UBCO 22-13. They managed to convert 8 out of 20 field goals, including two 3-pointers, and turned UBCO's three turnovers into fast-break points. The halftime score had UBCO narrowly ahead, 42-41.
In the second half, UBCO faced mounting challenges as Mount Royal went on a scoring run, outpacing the home side 24-17. The visiting team capitalized on a strong inside game, scoring 16 points in the paint, which helped them build a six-point cushion. UBCO, despite a spirited effort with three 3-pointers and seven points off turnovers, couldn't sustain their lead and ended the frame trailing 65-59.
Mount Royal extended their advantage in the final quarter, outscoring UBCO by 11 points to come away with the victory.
The two teams will face off again on Saturday, Jan. 17 at the UBCO Gymnasium. Tip off is set for 5:30 p.m. and fans can purchase tickets for the game by visiting GoHeat.ca/Tickets.
