The University of British Columbia Athletics

Brandon, MB - The UBC Thunderbirds women's basketball team bounced back from a disappointing result Friday to earn a resilient 73-64 win over the Brandon Bobcats Saturday afternoon. 2013 Canada West Player of the Year Kris Young led the Thunderbirds with 28 points.
 
The game began with an electrified energy. The 'Birds were led by Kris Young, who scored eight points in the first quarter alone, due largely to the effective teamwork and communication seen on the court by the UBC starters. Harleen Sidhu was making her presence known in the low key, as her rebounding was uncontested by the Bobcats. As the first quarter wound down, the teams found themselves in a competitive, fast-paced push to gain an advantage. Ultimately, neither team was able to pull ahead; the quarter finished 25-25.
 
In the second quarter, the 'Birds took an early lead, with Kris Young's targeted shooting leading the way. Young contributed a remarkable 19 points in the first half. Harleen Sidhu played a vital role in keeping UBC ahead, putting up eight points and six rebounds before the half. Maggie Sundberg and Cassandra Knievel also kept the 'Birds in the game, each contributing five points and creating numerous offensive opportunities. Midway through the second quarter, UBC was up by 10 and Brandon was having difficulty responding.
 
As the quarter progressed, Brandon began to reestablish themselves, slowly getting back onto the scoreboard. Cassie Cook, who scored 34 points in Friday night's game against Victoria, led the charge for the Bobcats, putting up 16 points and three rebounds in the first half. However, despite the Bobcats' efforts, the 'Birds had capitalized on their opportunities throughout the quarter to establish a resilient lead, going into the half up 46-34.
 
After the half, both teams initially struggled with turnovers and missed shots. Brandon was the first to get their rhythm back, and used the opportunity to slowly close the gap on the scoreboard. However, once UBC reestablished their dynamic, the play much resumed that of the second quarter, and the 'Birds finished the third quarter ahead, 55-47.
 
In the fourth, play became much more competitive as both teams fought to gain an advantage. The Bobcats obtained an early momentum and quickly closed the gap to two within the first three minutes. Towards the end of the quarter, UBC regained their lead and maintained it to finish the game 73-64.
 
Brandon's Cook led the game in scoring with 34, while UBC's Young wasn't far behind with 28. Sidhu led the game in rebounds with 14, while simultaneously contributing 12 points for the 'Birds.
 
Next weekend, UBC will host Trinity Western for a weekend series at War Memorial Gymnasium. Tip-off Friday evening is at 6:00 pm.