Vancouver, BC - Saturday night, the UBC Thunderbirds men's basketball team finished their final of three pre-season tournament games with a 76-68 win over the Concordia University (Montreal, Quebec) Stingers.
The first minute of the game remained scoreless as both UBC and Concordia struggled to see offensive opportunities. Fourth-year
Tommy Nixon opened the game with a three-pointer and continued to play a dynamic role throughout the quarter, as he fought for three rebounds in the first four minutes alone. Both he and second-year
Jordan Jensen-Whyte continued to see the court well and created numerous offensive opportunities for the 'Birds.
Concordia got on the scoreboard with a jumper from the top of the key by fourth-year Mukiya Post. As the turnover-ridden quarter progressed, UBC grappled with efficient passing while the Stingers had difficulty getting their shots into the basket, shooting a mere 18%. Fourth-year
Brylle Kamen substituted in for
David Wagner and found strategic low-key opportunities, getting the Thunderbirds' offense rolling. UBC finished the first quarter 16-8 over Concorida.
In the second quarter, the Stingers struggled to keep their personal fouls in check as the Thunderbirds fell into their offensive rhythm. Both teams found themselves benefitting from textbook three-point shooting and low-post moves. Kamen continued to dominate down low for the Thunderbirds, whilst the Stingers relied on the targeted shooting of first-year Inti Salinas. Third-year
Geoff Pippus and
Tonner Jackson really sent UBC's offense into overdrive, contributing nine and seven points, respectively, helping UBC go into the half with a comfortable 41-26 lead over Concordia.
Following the half, the Stingers came out electrified, outscoring the 'Birds 13-5 in the first six minutes. UBC seemed slightly off-beat without Nixon, who spent most of the quarter on the bench after getting called for his third personal foul early in the quarter. The Thunderbirds got their groove back towards the end of the quarter largely due to Jensen-Whyte, who kept UBC's offense moving, and
Kedar Wright, whose quick footwork led to a beautiful layup that closed-out the quarter, keeping UBC ahead 58-49.
During the fourth, both teams saw an early increase in turnovers as a result of poor passing. The Stingers utilized low-post opportunities, whereas UBC moved to a perimeter offense that fell heavily on the guards. Nixon got back into the game and put in a quick field goal for the 'Birds. A harsh technical foul on a breakaway took Jensen-Whyte out of the game with three minutes to go;
Andrew McGuinness shot free throws in place of Jensen-Whyte.
Geoff Pippus and
Tonner Jackson maintained UBC's offense in the remaining minutes of the quarter, as they continued to see the court and find openings for scoring opportunities. The 'Birds finished-out the game 76-68 over the Stingers.
The Thunderbirds will be resting next weekend before hosting the Warner Pacific College Knights on Friday, October 25. Tip-off will be at 8 P.M. in War Memorial Gymnasium.
