The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades defeated the Trinity Western University Spartans, at the Langley Events Center, 68-65, on Friday night. The Cascades Canada West regular season record improves to 5-6 while TWU falls to 1-12. The Cascades came out strong and jumped out to an early lead and led by 6-points after the first quarter, 14-8. The second quarter belonged to TWU as they out scored UFV, by 10-points, holding the Cascades to only 12-second quarter points.
The Spartans continued to control the play in the third quarter building a double digit lead, but as the fourth quarter started, UFV turned on the offense and twice came within three points of tying the game. TWU’s defence would not budge and the Cascades could not come any closer until UFV went on five point run to close within two points with two minutes remaining.
With one minute remaining Alyssa Gaukel, Chilliwack, BC put UFV ahead with a three point basket that the fifth year veteran hit long distance from Abbotsford. Gaukel would then hit three straight free throws to give the “green machine” a four-point lead with under 30 seconds remaining. The Spartans would then march down the court and Janelle Traber, Abbotsford, BC would hit a three pointer and then steal the ball, from UFV, on the inbound pass to give TWU once last opportunity to win, but UFV’s defence would stand pat and Aieisha Luyken, Mission, BC clinched the victory for UFV with two free throws.
The Cascades were led by Alexa McCarthy, Chilliwack, BC with a team high 17-points. Courtney Bartel, Chilliwack, BC chipped in with 13-points and Gaukel with 10-points, 6 in the final two minutes of the game. Tessa Klassen, Winnipeg, Manitoba added 7-points and 3-assists in the victory over TWU. Klassen’s veteran presence on the court in the final two minutes proved valuable for the young Cascades. Gaukel also led UFV with 7-total rebounds.
“We have to make some adjustments tomorrow night, Trinity had a dominate performance under the basket,” said UFV Head Coach Al Tuchscherer. “Alyssa (Gaukel) had a big game for us tonight. I am very proud of our fifth year senior. Alyssa’s leadership was outstanding as she took control of the game down the stretch.”
Corina Reimer, Abbotsford, BC was TWU’s leading scorer with a game high 21-points. The Spartans out rebounded UFV, 44 to 30 for the game.
The Cascades visit TWU, at the Langley Events Center, tomorrow night at 5:00PM, to close out the fall semester schedule.
UFV 14 12 17 25 = 68 (5-6)
TWU 8 22 21 14 = 65 (1-12)
Top Scorers:
UFV: McCarthy 17-points/ TWU: Reimer 21-points
UFV: McCarthy 17-points/ TWU: Reimer 21-points
Team Rebounds:
UFV: 11+19=30 / TWU: 12+32= 44
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