WolfPack’s Pribilsky ties the game, Grant wins it with .09 remaining
Abbotsford, BC…The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack rebounded from last night’s 26 point loss to defeat the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades, 63-60, at the Envision Athletic Centre. The WolfPack did it with five unanswered points in the last 55 seconds of the game. The Cascades record falls to 11-9 tied with TWU Spartans for third place in the Pacific Division of Canada West. TRU improves its record to 7-14 in the division.
The WolfPack came out strong tonight and quickly establish a two point lead that held onto throughout the first quarter. The WolfPack shot 31 percent in the half much better than their 14 percent a night earlier. The second quarter started with UFV going on what seem to be a mini run of six straight points, but midway through the quarter it was evident that UFV might tie a CIS record as they held TRU scoreless. The run continued to 16 points and with one minute remaining in the quarter Troy Grant, Brampton, Ontario scored a field goal and prevented history from being made at the EAC. The Cascades would break a school record holding TRU to only two-second quarter points. UFV led by 33-19 at the break.
Nathan Kendall, Abbotsford, BC, Kevon Parchment, Toronto, Ontario and Sam Freeman, Coquitlam, BC each scored 6 points to lead the Cascades at the break. UFV shot 37 percent in the half. The WolfPack were led by Zach Usherwood, Coquitlam, BC with a game high 9 points. The half ended with the two teams committing 21 turnovers.
TRU again came alive at the start of the second half opening the third quarter with a six point run. The WolfPack kept on coming and would knock the Cascades lead down to seven points going into the fourth quarter, where they played flawless basketball holding UFV to 15 points, while scoring 25 to win the game. TRU was down by two points 60-58 with 55 seconds remaining when Kevin Pribilsky, Victoria, BC tied the game with an outside jumper. After TRU held the Cascades in check, they had 18 seconds remaining to sink the winning basket and that is exactly what Grant did with .09 seconds remaining in the game.
“I am very disappointed in tonight’s result,” commented Adam Friesen, UFV’s head coach. “I was hoping our team would continue the momentum of last night’s victory. Full credit to Coach Clark and his team for their effort tonight.”
Freeman would lead UFV in scoring with 15 points. Kendall and Parchment would add 12 as they were the only three Cascades in double figures. Parchment also led UFV with 12 total rebounds. Grant led TRU with a game high 21 point performance. Usherwood added 18 points and 12 rebounds and Brett Rouault, Vernon, BC chipped in with 10 points in the WolfPack victory.
UFV and TWU will play the next weekend in the final two Canada West regular season games, Friday at EAC and Saturday in Langley.
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