KELOWNA, B.C. - Powered by a career-night from rookie Sydney Lewis, the UBCO Heat women's basketball team (10-9) triumphed over the UFVCascades (8-11) 73-69 at the UBCO Gymnasium on Friday night.

The Heat expertly capitalized on turnovers, netting 20 points from UFV's 20 mistakes. This victory marks UBCO's second straight win over UFV, a historic achievement for the program.

Lewis shone for UBCO with a career-high 17 points, six rebounds, and four steals. Kiana Kaczur was on fire, scoring a season-high 15 points and nailing all seven of her free-throw attempts. Kanani Coon added 15 points, including three 3-pointers, and dished out four assists. Tsuki Tsuzuki contributed 10 points and two steals, finishing with five field goals.

Julia Tuchscherer led UFV with 19 points and added seven rebounds and two assists. Kyanna Knodel chipped in 12 points, along with three assists.

UBCO set the pace early, with Aiko Williams sinking a 3-pointer on the opening possession, assisted by Lily Pink. Coon extended the lead with another 3-pointer moments later, and Lewis pushed it the lead to eight points with a jumper at two minutes into the game. Despite a brief UFV surge, featuring a 3-pointer from Bernie Leda, UBCO held firm throughout the quarter.

The home side pounced on turnovers, scoring 11 points off UFV's errors. Tsuzuki capped the quarter with a layup, assisted by Pink, cementing UBCO's 23–17 lead.

In the second quarter, the Heat built on a 12-point lead thanks to a Kaczur three. The defence was crucial, with a Williams steal leading to pivotal points. Despite UFV's attempts, including Knodel's three-pointer late in the frame, UBCO stayed in control, leading 43-33 at halftime, outscoring UFV 20-16 in the quarter.

UBCO started the third quarter strong, stretching the lead to 12 points just 11 seconds inwith a Lewis jumper, assisted by Pink. The Cascades tried closing the gap, but the Heat maintained their lead with key plays, including another Kaczur three, bringing the score to 51–43.

UFV narrowed the margin slightly, yet UBCO's defensive prowess, highlighted by multiple steals from Lewis, kept them ahead. The quarter ended with UBCO up 55–51.

In the fourth quarter, UBCO responded to the Cascades early three-pointer from Fania Taylor with a quick jumper by Lewis, assisted by Pink. A crucial three-pointer from Williams extended the Heat's lead. 

Despite UFV's relentless pursuit, UBCO was able to ice the contest late through a Pink jumper, concluding the game at 73–69.

The Heat and Cascades will square off once again on Saturday, February 7 in the final regular season game for both teams.

Following the contest, UBCO will honour their lone graduating senior this season, Aiko Williams, for her five years with the program.

Tickets for the game can be purchased by visiting GoHeat.ca/Tickets.