KELOWNA, B.C. — The UBCO Heat women's basketball team (9-9) fell to the Trinity Western Spartans (15-5) 63-60 in a closely fought battle at UBCO Gymnasium.
The game saw both teams swapping leads twice and tying the score five times. The Heat's defence was formidable, recording 10 steals and converting them into 13 points off turnovers.
Tsuki Tsuzuki shone with 16 points for UBCO, marking a season-high for the second-year guard, and pulled down seven rebounds, leading the team with seven baskets.
Sydney Lewis dominated the boards with 10 rebounds, including four on the offensive glass, while adding six points.
Kanani Coon contributed 12 points, secured seven rebounds, and notched up three steals.
Temi Aina added seven points and six rebounds, along with two steals.
Moriah Jansen was a standout with 12 points for the Spartans, while adding three blocks. Cassidy Buchanan chipped in 14 points and a pair of steals.
UBCO overcame an early eight-point deficit by focusing on inside scoring, converting 10 points in the paint to tie the game at the end of the first quarter. The Heat were perfect from the free-throw line, going four-for-four, countering Trinity Western's edge in 3-point shooting, where they made two of six attempts. The score stood at 14-14 after the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Heat and Spartans remained neck and neck, each scoring 16 points. The Heat's presence on the boards was strong, with 12 total rebounds, including five offensive, allowing them to extend possessions and maintain offensive pressure. Despite four turnovers, UBCO managed to lead by up to six points, thanks to
Kanani Coon's consistent scoring in the paint. However, the Spartans closed the quarter evenly, capitalizing on UBCO's turnovers and matching the home team's scoring. At halftime, the score was tied at 30-30.
The third quarter saw Trinity Western take advantage of second-chance opportunities and effective ball movement, outscoring UBCO 15-10, despite both teams committing four turnovers each. TWU's defence was crucial, blocking three shots and making two steals to keep up the pressure. UBCO stayed within reach with a balanced effort on the boards, securing 12 total rebounds. By the end of the quarter, UBCO trailed 45-40.
In a nail-biting final quarter, UBCO outscored the Spartans 20-18. The Heat excelled in the paint, scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, which helped maintain pressure and create second-chance opportunities. Despite Trinity Western's four blocks and three steals, UBCO's defensive efforts, including five steals, kept them competitive until the final moments. Trinity Western ultimately edged out UBCO with a narrow 63-60 victory.
Next up, UBCO will face the UFV Cascades at home on Friday, Feb. 6 at 5:30 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets for the game by visiting GoHeat.ca/Tickets.
