WINNIPEG - Showing little rust following the winter break, the UBC Thunderbirds put together a stifling defensive effort en route to a 73-37 victory over the Manitoba Bisons Friday night in Winnipeg.
The T-Birds held the Bisons to a mere 21 points through the first three quarters, asserting their control of the game from the very first tip. Manitoba was 13-of-49 (26.5%) from the field and turned the ball over 31 times against a stingy and opportunistic UBC defence that earned 17 steals on the night.
"I was really pleased with our defensive intensity tonight which allowed us to limit them offensively for three quarters," said UBC head coach
Deb Huband. "Tonight we also showed our depth and we came prepared with a good effort."
UBC was solid enough offensively, ending the game 27-of-58 (46.6%) from the floor and saw all 12 players score at least two points.
Zara Huntley led the 'Birds with 16 points and
Lia St. Pierre also hit double figures with 11. Other key contributors were
Alex Vieweg, who had nine points and a team-high seven rebounds, and
Devan Lisson, who added seven points and eight assists.
The 'Birds never trailed in the contest, and slowly built their lead methodically over the opening 20 minutes. A 4-0 run by the visitors to close the first half had UBC up six and they continued to grind down the Bisons, leading by 16 at the half.
In the third quarter, Manitoba scored just four points and were held scoreless for nearly eight minutes before a pair of Samantha Pyke free throws in the final minute ended their drought. UBC led by 34 after three quarters and cruised over the final frame to the win.
Both teams will be at it again tomorrow for the re-match. Tip off is 4:00 p.m. PT.
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