BRANDON - After seeing the UBC Thunderbirds men's basketball team win by 59 points on Friday, the women went out and did one better, taking down the Brandon Bobcats 83-23 on the road Saturday night.
The victory was UBC's tenth in a row and improved their record to 13-5 on the season. The win is the largest for the T-Birds under head coach
Deb Huband since October 29, 1999 when they defeated Brandon 112-44.
Their defensive effort on the night made up for one which Huband thought was lacking at times in their 64-51 victory last evening.
"It was very strong defensive effort. We were disappointed last night with our defensive intensity and focus. Tonight, we turned it it around and reestablished and rediscovered what we had been doing so well on defence these last few weeks."
It was all UBC on Saturday as they limited the Bobcats to 18.8% (9-of-48) field goal shooting and forced their hosts into 23 turnovers. In contrast, UBC was an efficient 32-of-70 (45.7%) from the floor - including 11-of-21 (52.4%) from downtown - with a season low nine turnovers.
Fifth-year
Devan Lisson led the T-Birds with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting and went 4-of-6 from downtown to lead the three-point barrage.
Lia St. Pierre, who had led UBC in scoring over their previous two contests, go her teammates on the scoresheet tonight with a game high nine assists. As a team, UBC registered 23 assists on only 32 baskets.
"We executed very well against their collapsing defence. We moved the ball very well, had some intelligent play and were able to generate high percentage shots and get everybody involved," noted Huband.
UBC opened the game on 14-point run and outscored Brandon 19-4 over the first quarter. The second frame featured both teams' best offensive efforts but despite netting 11 points, the Bobcats weren't able to cut into the T-Bird lead as the visitors poured in 23 to lead 42-15 at the break.
In the second half, UBC ratcheted up the defensive intensity once again, conceding just seven points and a three-pointer from
Chloee St. Amour late in the third quarter extended the T-Birds lead to 41. In the fourth, Brandon was held to just one free throw make and a
Leigh Stansfield layup with 2:54 remaining rounded out the scoring for the night.
Joining Lisson in double figures for the 'Birds were
Zara Huntley and
Alex Vieweg who finished with 12 and 10 points respectively. All 11 T-Birds played at least nine minutes on the night and eight UBC players had at least six points.
Brandon was led by Sarah Lopes who finished with eight points. Nicisha Johnson had a team-high seven rebounds.
"Brandon has been dealing with a lot of adversity this season and it has been difficult for them. They competed hard regardless of the score tonight," said Huband.
UBC has a bye next weekend before hitting the road on February 4 and 5 to take on the no. 4 ranked Regina Cougars. Huband acknowledged the importance of their next conference games as the fifth place 'Birds try to move into the top four and the right to host a home playoff series.
"We want to be physically and mentally ready when we travel to Regina. We do get a bit of a breather here but then we're right back at it. We're going to work hard in practice, take a good look at our upcoming opponents and then try to make a move down the stretch."
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