KELOWNA, B.C. — The UBCO Heat men's basketball team (3-13) faced a tough matchup against the Mount Royal Cougars (10-6) on Saturday, ending in a 91-73 defeat at the UBCO Gymnasium.
Mount Royal clinched the win thanks to a strong night on the boards, outrebounding the Heat 50-36 while the Heat's performance was highlighted by an impressive 85.7% shooting from the free-throw line.
Jalen Shirley spearheaded the Heat's efforts with 26 points, hitting eight field goals and eight free throws, along with five assists.
Mike Adarkwah-Nti contributed 18 points, secured five rebounds, and made two steals.
Isaak Moore added nine points, all from three successful 3-pointers.
Lamine Conde chipped in with 10 points, four rebounds, and a block.
Tag Layton led the Cougars with 17 points, connecting on six of eight field goals and three of five from beyond the arc. Jacob McLellan equaled his tally with 17 points, hitting three 3-pointers and recording three steals. Daniel Owoeye was a force on the boards with 11 rebounds, adding 12 points on five of six shooting.
Mount Royal seized an early advantage over the Heat, leveraging their shooting prowess by converting seven of 21 field goals, including two 3-pointers, while UBCO managed five of 18 without landing a 3-pointer. The Heat managed eight points in the paint, but four turnovers disrupted their offensive flow. Mount Royal's slight rebounding edge and ability to draw seven fouls contributed to their 19-14 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The Cougars outpaced UBCO 27-18 in the second quarter, taking advantage of a robust shooting performance by making 11 of 20 field goals, including five 3-pointers. Despite UBCO converting all five free throw attempts, Mount Royal's defence forced three steals and maintained a 19-point lead at one stage. By halftime, Mount Royal led 46-32.
Mount Royal extended their lead in the third quarter, outscoring UBCO 20-15, thanks in part to a commanding performance in the paint with 14 points and an eight-rebound advantage. The Heat struggled with five turnovers, which allowed Mount Royal to capitalize on second-chance opportunities. Despite UBCO landing three 3-pointers and collecting six assists, they trailed 66-47 by the end of the third quarter.
Mount Royal held firm in the final quarter, despite the Heat's determined effort. UBCO made three 3-pointers and nine free throws, narrowing the gap slightly, but the Cougars dominance in the paint, with 18 points, was crucial. The home team outscored the visitors 26-25 in the final quarter, but it wasn't enough to overturn the earlier deficit, concluding the game at 92-73 in favour of Mount Royal.
Looking ahead, the Heat will enjoy a bye weekend before returning to action to host the Victoria Vikes on Friday, Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased by visiting GoHeat.ca/Tickets.
Game Notes:
- Shirley is now just 80 points shy of the Heat's all-time scoring record and has become only the second UBCO athlete to surpass 1400 career points, currently sitting at 1403 with four games left.
