Abbotsford — UFV Cascades basketball will face the UBC Okanagan Heat this weekend at the Envision Athletic Centre, the Cascades’ first home stand since late November 2013. Last time the Cascades played at home they won three of four against the UBC Thunderbirds, and they hope to improve upon that record this weekend against two struggling UBCO squads.
Women’s Basketball:
The Cascades (10-4) are the strong favourites heading into this weekend against the Heat (3-11), but if there’s been one defining lesson in the Canada West this year, it’s that no win is a sure thing. The Heat are coming off a weekend split with the TWU Spartans, and will be looking to add a fourth win in their quest to match last year’s 6-16 season. The Cascades, by contrast, need to keep winning to secure their hold on first in the Pacific division against the encroaching Thunderbirds and Victoria Vikes (both holding identical 9-5 records). UFV has won four of their last five league contests, and seem to be discovering once again that they are a top ten CIS team.
The most dangerous names on the Heat Roster are Emily Kanester (third year guard), Sarah Allison (third year guard), and Krystal Schouten (fourth year forward). Kanester and Allison have provided the lion’s share of the Heat’s offence this year, and each have at least 80 more total points than any player on the roster (183 and 163 respectively). Schouten, while averaging only 6.9 points a game, is by far the most efficient shooter the Heat have, with a .463 field goal average. If UBC Okanagan is to steal a game this weekend, it will be through the talent and determination of these three women as they lead their team.
Men’s Basketball:
Just as on the women’s side, the Cascades men’s team (9-5) is heavily favoured to sweep the Heat (3-11), who are rock-bottom in the Pacific division. With another win the Cascades could extend their streak to seven, the longest in their CIS history. The Heat, by contrast, are looking to match last year’s 5-17 record, and create some momentum off of last weekend’s win over TWU.
The Heat are a struggling team with some potent assets in fifth year guards Yassine Ghomari and Landry Ndayitwayeko. Ghomari averages 13.5 points per game, 18th highest in the Canada West, while Ndayitwayeko manages 12.1 (he’s tied with UFV’s Kadeem Willis for 25th). Even so, UFV and UBCO produce the lowest offence in the Canada West, with 70 points per game and 67.6 points per game respectively. The critical difference is that UFV generally manages to hold their opponents to less than 70 points, while the Heat’s opponents average 75.6 points per game.
KidSport BC Night:
This Friday all kids under 17 get in free in celebration of KidSport BC and all of our local sports teams! Everyone is encouraged to wear their school colours or jerseys. A representative of KidSport will also be accepting donations at the games.
KidSport is a Canada-wide organization dedicated to removing financial barriers for kids who wish to play organized sports. Over 1.5 million children have been given the chance to play thanks to KidSport, which provides grants between $100 and $750 to help pay for registration and equipment costs.
Schedule:
Friday, Jan 24
6 pm UBCO Heat @ UFV Cascades (WBB)
8 pm UBCO Heat @ UFV Cascades (MBB)
Saturday, Jan 25
5 pm UBCO Heat @ UFV Cascades (WBB)
7 pm UBCO Heat @ UFV Cascades (MBB)
Watch all the games online at canadawest.tv
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