WINNIPEG – The UBC Thunderbirds got out to a 14-3 start, but couldn't keep the Manitoba Bison at bay, losing by a final score of 35-25 at University Stadium. Manitoba running back Matt Henry led the way with two touchdowns in the season finale for both teams who missed out on the 2010 Canada West postseason.

For UBC head coach Shawn Olson, it was a familiar story. His team showed flashes of brilliance, but was ultimately undone by miscues and lost opportunities of offence.

"We definitely had our chances," said Olson. "It was a one-game microcosm of our season. There was some good, but not enough good. Too many mistakes, too many missed tackles, and too many missed opportunities to put some points on the board."

The Blue and Gold got on the scoreboard with their first possession of the game. Perry Harder swung a run to the outside, scoring a 10-yard touchdown early.

Following a Nick Naylor field goal for Manitoba, the 'Birds answered back, widening the gap on a 34-yard touchdown catch by Jordan Grieve.

But in the second quarter, UBC's season-long inconsistency caught up with them. The Bisons put 17 points on the board, including touchdowns from Henry and an 8-yard pass from Khaleal Williams to Jared Ralko. Manitoba would never relinquish that lead.

"We're trying to execute a game plan and sometimes we don't have the fundamentals needed to play football right now," said a frustrated Olson. "We don't have a running game that's consistent so we had to throw the football more than we would have liked too. There's some things missing and really we should have been able to put up another 14 or 21 points. We started really well, but we strayed from what we needed to do."

The final loss of 2010 is cause for Olson to reflect on his rookie season as a CIS head coach and make plans for the future.

"There are some things we need to correct in the off-season," said Olson. "We need to work on fundamentals and make sure that we recruit some guys. We have some talent and some guys that are maturing, but we're going to have to add to that talent base."

The second half of Saturday's game opened with a pair of huge special teams plays. Manitoba struck first with a 100 yard punt return for a touchdown by Quincy Hurst. That gave the Bison a 27-14 lead, and threatened to derail any hopes UBC had of mounting a comeback of their own.

But on the ensuing kick-off, T-Bird defensive back Sam Carino ran the ball back for a 96-yard touchdown of his own.

The Thunderbirds got to within three points of tying the game before allowing a final touchdown run by Henry in the fourth quarter.

Billy Greene's rushing was kept in check, as the UBC quarterback ran for 50 yards, below his season average. It was, however, good enough to make him the 'Birds leading rusher on the day. Greene went 22 for 41 through air, totaling 311 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

As usual, Greene's favorite target was Spencer Betts, who caught five passes for 96 yards.

For the Bisons, Williams was 16 of 30 for 327 yards and a touchdown. Williams hit ten different receivers on the day.

For Olson, it was a tough loss to the 1-6 Bison. Both UBC and Manitoba finish the year with 2-6 records, an improvement for UBC compared to last year's 1-7 finish.

"There are definitely a ton of positives about this season," said Olson. "The atmosphere and the culture has changed quite a bit. The guys have worked very hard and showed a lot of character and heart throughout the season. We have very good kids.

"We have to take responsibility for what we are," Olson continued. "2-6 is a step forward, but it's not where we want to be. The fire has got to burn really hot in the off-season for our players and coaches. That's where you get a chance to change your lot. We're going to approach it very seriously with a lot of passion and desire, and we're going to be better next year and continue this progression."