The UBC Thunderbirds defeated the tournament host Waterloo Warriors 81-77 on Day 2 of the 44th Annual Naismith Classic at the Physical Activities Complex (PAC) in Waterloo, Ontario.
The Thunderbirds were led offensively by fifth-year guard
Doug Plumb (Pitt Meadows, BC), who collected a team-high 21 points along with five rebounds. Fifth-year guard
Nathan Yu (Prince George, BC) also figured prominently in UBC's offence, scoring 16 points and 2 three-pointers.
Waterloo's fifth-year recreation and leisure major Cam McIntyre led all players with 24 points and 5 three-pointers in the losing cause.
UBC was quick to start the game, taking an 11-point lead at the end of the first quarter before adding another 7 points to their cushion by half-time with the score 49-31. Waterloo then bounced back in the third quarter to outscore the Thunderbirds by 18 points to draw even at 59-59 after 30 minutes of play. However, the Warriors could not continue the same dominance in the fourth quarter as UBC regained control to reach the final buzzer ahead by 4 points.
In the rebounding battle, the Thunderbirds had a 48-35 advantage over the Warriors, with fifth-year guard
Kamar Burke (Mississauga, ON) grabbing a game-high 12 boards. Waterloo's best performer on the glass, Wayne Bridge, finished with 9 rebounds.
Foul trouble hampered both teams nearing the end of the second half, with the Thunderbirds' Plumb, Yu, and Burke; and the Waterloo's McIntyre all checking out of the game with five fouls.
UBC completes tournament play at the Naismith Classic on Day 3, Sunday, Oct. 16, tipping off against the Queen's Golden Gaels, 9:00 AM Pacific Time at the Physical Activities Complex (PAC).
