VANCOUVER - The UBC Thunderbirds' winning streak is up to eight games now after a stifling defensive effort held the UBC Okanagan Heat to just 17 points through three quarters en route to a 71-40 T-Bird win on Saturday at War Memorial Gym.
It didn't take long for the 'Birds to take complete control of the game, allowing their starters to get some rest while the bench played major minutes. They led 19-7 after the first quarter and held a 25-point advantage at half time.
The lead continued to grow through the third quarter, and by the time the fourth rolled around the 'Birds were up 56-17 with a 25-6 advantage in points off turnovers, holding the Heat to 18 per cent shooting from the floor.
"We came out really strong. I think we were energized and focused, and that led to a really good start to the game," said UBC head coach
Deb Huband. "For three quarters we held that focus but I think we got a little distracted in the fourth when Kristen went out with an injury. But I thought it was overall a good effort with us being focused and executing the way we wanted to."
It was a scary scene when Hughes went down with an injury to her knee early in the fourth, especially since the T-Birds are already without
Chloee St. Amour and
Zana Williams because of knee injuries. But although she didn't return to the game, Hughes remained on the bench for the fourth quarter and Huband was optimistic that her starting point guard won't miss significant time.
She finished second on the team with 13 points in the game, behind only
Zara Huntley, who poured in 18 on 8-9 shooting, adding seven rebounds.
"She was a little quiet last night so it was nice to see her come back and have a strong day today," Huband said of Huntley.
The Heat did put together an impressive rally late to outscore the T-Birds 23-15 in the fourth quarter. Ashley Briker led the team with nine points. Roslyn Huber scored six while adding five steals, four assists and four rebounds.
The win moves UBC to 12-2 on the year, now three games up on second place Fraser Valley, who they meet next week. If the T-Birds can win at least one game in Abbotsford next week they will lock up first place in the Pacific Division.
The Heat fall to 2-12 and will return home next week to host Victoria. The T-Birds' final regular season home game is also against Victoria on February 10 at 6 p.m.
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