KAMLOOPS, B.C. — The UBCO Heat men's basketball team (3-10) faced a tough challenge against the Thompson Rivers WolfPack (9-4), falling 95-72 on Friday at the Tournament Capital Centre. Despite the outcome, the Heat showed resilience, scoring 32 points in the paint and racking up 20 fast-break points.
Isaak Moore was the top scorer for UBCO with 18 points, including four 3-pointers.
Jalen Shirley made a strong all-around contribution with 16 points, six rebounds, and three steals.
Mike Adarkwah-Nti added nine points, four rebounds, and two steals.
David Usuomon chipped in 13 points and three rebounds, hitting six of eight field goals.
Jayden Stephens led the scoring for the WolfPack with 20 points, converting 8 of 11 field goals, including two 3-pointers, and recorded four steals. Steve Stinson added 15 points, five assists, and two steals. Fran Monreal was a force on defence with 10 rebounds, complementing his nine points. Dami Farinloye contributed 13 points, five rebounds, and two steals, playing effectively on both ends of the floor.
UBCO's early momentum was highlighted by a 10-2 lead in fast break points, sparked by Moore's sharp shooting, including three 3-pointers. The team matched the WolfPack's ten points in the paint but faced foul trouble, committing seven personal fouls. Despite briefly leading, UBCO ended the first quarter slightly behind, 27-26.
The WolfPack took advantage of turnovers in the second frame, turning five visitor turnovers into eight points. TRU's bench was pivotal, adding 16 points to their scoring. UBCO had shooting struggles, making just one of six from beyond the arc, and were out-rebounded 13 to 8. By the half's end, TRU led 52-43.
In the third quarter, the Heat struggled to counter TRU's free-throw precision, as the WolfPack sank all eight attempts from the line. UBCO tried to narrow the gap with two 3-pointers but were out-rebounded 11-8, impacting their momentum. The quarter concluded with TRU ahead, 71-58.
In the final quarter, the WolfPack dominated inside, scoring 20 points in the paint, contributing to their 24-14 advantage. The Heat struggled from beyond the arc, making only one of eight 3-point attempts, while three turnovers translated into five points for TRU. Despite the Heat's bench contributing six points, TRU's superior rebounding margin of 10-7 and five assists kept them in command. The game concluded with TRU on top, 95-72.
With the victory, TRU claimed the men's Presidents' Cup trophy, improving to 4-2 in the season-long series in soccer, basketball and volleyball with one game remaining.
Looking ahead, the Heat will meet the WolfPack again on Saturday, Jan. 10. Tip-off is at 6 p.m. as they play away from home.
Game Notes:
- Usuomon's 13 points marked a season-high for the fourth-year forward.
