The University of British Columbia Athletics

Vancouver, BC - In the second-to-last weekend of regular season play, the UBC men's basketball team will be hosting the UBC Okanagan Heat Friday and Saturday evening at War Memorial Gymnasium. The outcome of this weekend will determine whether or not the Thunderbirds will see the playoffs this year.
 
In his fourteen seasons as UBC men's basketball head coach, Kevin Hanson has never missed an opportunity to qualify for post-season play. Despite a season riddled with injuries a, the team is persevering to secure its playoff spot.
 
Last Saturday, the team rallied in the second half to overcome Calgary.

"At the right time, the guys felt their backs against the wall and they fought through adversity and stepped-up when we needed it the most. They played great basketball in the second half," stated UBC head coach Kevin Hanson. "We've had one or two guys who step up each weekend. We never know who that is going to be, but we're getting more consistent play out of Tommy Nixon, which we've been waiting for all year. He has had a great little stretch here in the end and it's time for us to get everyone on the same page and then it will be real fun."
 
When asked about the team's goals for the upcoming weekend, Hanson remarked, "We're still just trying to start playing better basketball. We've been inundated with injuries this year and we've missed a lot of guys in practice. It's about having continuity in the way we play. At times, we have shown that we are very, very good and we are aggressive and defensively, we do some good things to make sure we are stronger. Really, if we want to make a run, we have to be solid defensively and limit our turnovers, which have plagued us all year. We have to keep competing as hard as we can."
 
Looking forward to the final two weekends of regular season play, Hanson noted the team's motivation comes from each other.

One of the best things we did all year was our training trip to Hawaii. It really bonded the group together – they really care about each other. It's one of the tightest groups we've had. I think we've got more talent than what our record shows. I think we could be a dangerous team to play against. We just need our engine to click on all cylinders and we haven't had that often this season. If we can make that happen, we can be a scary team to play."
 
Thus far this year, the team has been plagued with a laundry list of injuries, amongst them multiple torn meniscuses, stress fractures, and an elbow surgery.

"It's been an unbelievable year with injuries – serious injuries," said Hanson. "There are a lot of major things that have gone on and I've never seen anything like it. That being said, teams have to play through that adversity. It's been a challenging year from the coaching standpoint, having so many athletes injured. It also takes a toll on the athletes, with people missing practice. We have to be patient and give them days off in between."
 
Saturday night, the team will honor senior Michael Steele and his contributions to the UBC men's basketball program.

"We're excited about having two home games and we are excited about senior night and celebrating Mike Steele," said Hanson. "The guys really rally behind Mike. He is a leader, especially in the locker room and the guys respect him. He has been with us for two years and I think the guys will rally behind him on senior night and moving forward into the playoffs."
 
The team will need more than their health and camaraderie looking forward to the post-season.

"We've been good at home, which is the great part, but in order to win in playoffs, we have to be good on the road, which is something we need to address. It's the end of the season. There are no more soft times or soft practices. We have to be ready to compete. We aren't making excuses. You are what you are and you have your team. Whoever is ready to play this weekend will be there."
 
The strength of the team has been shown in the ability for each player to contribute over the course of the season.

"I think everyone has had opportunities to produce this year," commented Hanson. "Everyone has played in games and, in a lot of games, we've played twelve or eleven or eight players – however many are healthy. They've had opportunities. We lose Mike, but then everyone is potentially back next year. We are building for the future; but we are here right now. I'm hoping we can play well this weekend and stay on top of the hunt for that playoff spot. Once we're in playoffs, it's a whole new season."
 
Friday night's game will begin at 8:00 pm. and Saturday night's game will begin at 7:00 pm at War Memorial Gymnasium.