The Matchup

The Thunderbirds are on the hunt to remain undefeated against the Bisons as they host Manitoba on Friday and Saturday at War Memorial Gym. It'll be the first U Sports action at home for the T-Birds, who opened up their 2016-2017 season on the road and are ranked second in the nation heading into week three.


 
Last year, the 'Birds and Bisons split their regular season set in Winnipeg before coming face-to-face in the Canada West bronze medal game. UBC blew out Manitoba 101-72 to capture third in the conference with returning players Conor Morgan, Taylor Browne and Patrick Simon leading the charge offensively. It was the Bisons' first ever appearance in the Canada West Final Four, and the team is coming off one of their strongest seasons on record.
 

Last Action

In a U Sports bye week over the Remembrance Day long weekend, UBC did anything but rest. The 2-0 T-Birds welcomed the NAIA's NCU Beacons to Vancouver for a tune-up tilt that proved to be a valuable test. After dropping game one in dramatic fashion to NCU in overtime, the Thunderbirds raised their level of play to storm back and take down former NBA player Luke Jackson's squad in a commanding 80-66 victory.
 
Manitoba is coming off an up-and-down home opening weekend that started with a convincing 90-68 win over TRU, but ended on a 77-72 loss to a WolfPack team UBC swept to start the season.

UBC is 41-10 all time versus Manitoba (cishoops.ca).
 

By the Numbers

0.600 – Will Ondrik has been hot to start the season – shooting an inspired 60 percent from beyond the arc and netting a 41 percent clip overall.


 
63.5 – The Thunderbirds' stingy defence and dominant big-men have allowed the third fewest points per game so far in U Sports play.

Players To Watch

Conor Morgan – (#9, G/F) – UBC's leading scorer had an injury scare in his last game against NCU. Morgan went down clutching his shoulder and was forced to leave the game, but later returned and finished with 27 points and 9 rebounds in 30 minutes. The fourth-year standout will be a key piece of the Thunderbird's success this season.


 
Phil Jalalpoor – (#7, G) – Jalalpoor has continued to grow in his second year at point guard for the T-Birds and is clocking almost 25 minutes a game as an all-around threat.
 
 

Coach's Take

"We're looking forward to getting back to conference play," said UBC Head Coach Kevin Hanson, as he recognizes the visiting talent. "Manitoba is a very good team that play very well together. They have shooters, size and speed and can be a very explosive team. We're looking forward to the challenge and the fans should be in for two very entertaining basketball games."