The University of British Columbia Athletics

Vancouver, BC - After sweeping UBC-Okanagan last weekend, the UBC men's basketball team is above .500 for the first time since the second week of the season and are looking to carry that momentum into their weekend home and home series against the University of Victoria. The 17-3 Vikes currently sit atop the Canada West Pacific Division, three spots ahead of the 11-9 Thunderbirds.
 
Last year, UBC went 0-2 against Victoria in regular season play before defeating the Vikes in the Canada West Final to secure the championship for the Thunderbirds. Will the 'Birds maintain their playoff dreams by defeating the Vikes this weekend? Sports information assistant Shannon Pitt sat down with UBC's powerhouse guard Tommy Nixon to discuss the upcoming games and team's playoff dreams.
 
Shannon Pitt: We saw two very different games from the team last weekend. Coach Kevin Hanson described Friday's game as 'ugly,' but was happier with Saturday. What was different for the team?
 
Tommy Nixon: To be honest, I don't think either game had too much flow. Saturday, we knew what to expect. After you've seen everything on video, you know what angles to attack them at and how to exploit their defense. We knew what we were facing and could adjust for the second game.
 
SP: The team has seen a laundry list of injuries this season. How do you think that has affected the team dynamic?
 
TN: The dynamic has stayed close. We are a close team and are always supporting each other. When someone is injured, he still shows up to support us. It's been tough, in regard to playing, not having the same bodies all the time. We are always adjusting. But in terms of team cohesion, we haven't seen any negative effects.
 
SP: Throughout the season, different players seem to have 'hot' nights, and Coach Hanson mentioned that "you never really know who is going to light up" on a given night. Why do you think that is?
 
TN: Well, we haven't really played, as a group, together as a whole. We always have new bodies and new faces. We haven't been able to click consistently, and consistency has been our issue. With all of the injuries, it's tough to get that flow and we've had a lot of guys changing positions. We haven't had a routine this season. We're always adjusting.
 
SP: In the second half of the season, your game has really taken off. What has spurred your late season success?
 
TN: I think it's my mentality. I was pretty passive earlier in the season. Early on, you're trying to get a team balance and flow, just trying to get everyone on the same page. I was playing mental games with myself, so I dropped them and decided to just play basketball. My shots are falling, which helps; but, it's not just my shooting. I'm working harder on defense and rebounding more. We've all played basketball a long time, but sometimes you get so concerned about offensive and defensive structure that you forget to just play.
 
SP: This weekend, you're going up against Victoria, who currently lead the Pacific division. How has the team been getting ready? 
 
TN: This whole week has been about preparing for Friday's game, and I think we'll be there when Friday comes around. Last year was a different scenario. We were playing well, and though we've been playing well recently, we had a tough start to this season. Our backs are against the wall now, and everyone is focused. These are big games. It's hard not to get excited for them.
 
SP: If you could see the team accomplish one thing this weekend, what would that be?
 
TN: Our mindset is always defense. Our offense can work perfectly, but sometimes, we drop our defense because our offense is working, and that changes the game. If we can stay strong defensively, and let our offense take care of itself, we will put ourselves in the playoffs.
 
SP: Looking forward to the playoffs, what is it going to take for UBC to be successful?
 
TN: We haven't had consistency this season. We have momentum right now and we've got something good here. We have things that are working for us right now, so our main focus is to keep that going. Really, we are taking it game by game. We aren't worrying about playoffs yet. Friday's game is our only focus right now
 
SP: What are you focusing on academically? What are your professional aspirations?
 
TN: I'm a fourth-year kinesiology student. When I graduate next year, I'm still thinking about basketball as a professional option. It's been my dream for a long time and I think I have the potential to do that when I'm done here. I want to take that and see where it goes. After that, it's still an open book. I haven't thought that far ahead yet. I'm trying to enjoy my final years here.
 
SP: When you're not at practice or studying, what do you like to do?
 
TN: I coach kids basketball outside once or twice a week. For myself, I've taken up guitar, recently. I've played the violin for a long time, so guitar is just a new instrument for me. It's been enjoyable to be on my own. It's my getaway right now. I enjoy spending time with my friends and my teammates.
 
Friday night's game will tip-off at 8:00 pm in Victoria, while UBC will host Saturday night's game at 7:00 pm at War Memorial Gymnasium.