REGINA, Sask. – The UBCO Heat women's basketball team had their Canada West playoff run come to an end on Saturday as they lost 74-48 to the U SPORTS No. 4-ranked Regina Cougars in the quarterfinals at the Centre for Kinesiology, Health and Sport.
 
Second-year guard Kiana Kaczur led the offensive attack for the Heat, scoring 12 points in 21 minutes off the bench. Kanani Coon also reached double figures in the contest, finishing with 10 points while adding four rebounds. However, the Heat were unable to match their shooting success from the play-in round the night before, finishing the game shooting 24.2 percent.
 
A pair of fifth-year guards proved to be difference makers for Regina as Cara Misskey led all scorers with 22 points while adding seven rebounds, six assists and five steals. Jade Belmore was not far behind her backcourt teammate, dropping 18 points while securing nine boards.
 
UBCO was able to keep the game within striking distance in the opening half as they trailed by 14 points at the break. However, after an early three-pointer from Aiko Williams in the third quarter, the Cougars took over the contest, going on a 22-2 run which ultimately sealed the victory for the hosts.
 
"Tonight was tough. Our team's compete was there but we weren't able to get things going the way we wanted," commented Head head coach Bobby Mitchell following the loss. "I am proud of the players and the steps we took this year. There is a lot to be excited about and we will learn from tonight and grow."
 
Despite the defeat, the season will be viewed as a success for Mitchell and his program as the Heat reached the quarter-finals for the second time in three years. UBCO also recorded double digit wins for the third time in four years with a lineup that will lose just a single player to graduation in the offseason.