Clinch First Ever Canada West Home Post Season Series
The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades women’s basketball team defeated the UBC Thunderbirds, 65-57, at the Envision Athletic Centre, to move within one and half games of First Place in the West Division of the Canada West conference. The Cascades now sport an 11-5 record, while UBC’s record falls to 12-3. The Cascades have clinched their fourth Canada West post season berth in the six years they have been members of the CIS and with tonight’s win clinch home court advantage in the Canada West best two out of three quarterfinal series to be played the weekend of February 23 to 25. The first Canada West home playoff games in Cascade history.
The game was a nail bitter from opening whistle to the final with the lead changing hands numerous times in the first quarter. The Cascades came out strong and played great defense holding the CIS number three ranked Thunderbirds to 18 first quarter points. UBC was able to enjoy a brief lead in the second quarter as they outscored the Cascades by four points, to lead 39-35 at the break.
In the second half, UFV’s defense was the story as they held UBC to 18 points the entire half, while outscoring the Thunderbirds by 12 points to earn the eight point victory.
“Nice win for our squad. UBC is one of the premier programs in the country, so everyone uses them as a bit of a measuring stick, this was definitely one of those games we were excited to play. It was nice to compete early, then maintain our composure down the stretch. Girls played tough tonight and we were able build our game from the defensive end of the floor out,“ said UFV Head coach Al Tuchscherer. “It is essential that we build on that formula as we finish the season and move into play-offs.”
The Cascades received balance scoring as all nine players scored at lead one point in the victory, led by Aieisha Luyken, Mission, BC with a game high 17 point performance. Nicole Wierks, Chilliwack, BC added 12 points and Sarah Wierks, Chilliwack, BC scored 8 points and pulled down 8 total boards. Veteran Tessa Klassen, Winnipeg, Manitoba scored 7 points and recorded 5 assists as she quarterbacked the second half comeback with her leadership on the court. Klassen, playing in her final weekend at the Envision Athletic Centre, was excellent in keeping the high scoring UBC Thunderbirds from hitting key baskets down the stretch.
The Thunderbirds were led by Krisjana Young, North Vancouver, BC Zara Huntley, Halifax, NS and Alexandra Vieweg, North Vancouver, BC with 12 points each, Young pulled down 9 rebounds as UBC outrebounded UFV 41 to 31 for the game.
The Cascades host the Thunderbirds tomorrow night, at the Envision Athletic Centre, 5PM start time.
UBC 18 21 9 9 = 57 (12-3)
UFV 18 17 11 19 = 65 (11-5)
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