VANCOUVER - The UBC Thunderbirds couldn't quite overcome a slow start against the visiting Ryerson Rams on Thursday night, as they fell by a score of 76-66 in their first of two non-conference games this week.
 
Ryerson's offensive punch was packed by a pair of fifth-year guards. Silvana Jez, who hit 10-of-18 field goals, including 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, led the Rams in scoring with 26 points, while Mariah Nunes hit 4-of-7 field goals, and made 7-of-11 free throws for a total of 16 points on the evening.
 
For the 'Birds, fourth-year forward Kara Spotton (Fort Collins, Colo.) carried the load offensively, as she put up a career-high 30 points on an efficient 12-of-17 shooting from the field. Veteran guard Diana Lee (North Vancouver) also provided a threat off of the perimeter, picking up 10 points of her own.
 
UBC head coach Deb Huband was quick to praise the Rams on their performance following the contest.
 
"This was a competitive game against a very talented Ryerson team," said Huband. "They're one of the stronger teams in Ontario, and we have a lot of respect for their program. It's developing, and they've got an experienced group."
 
Ryerson charged ahead full bore off of the opening whistle, racing ahead to a 14-4 lead before the 'Birds could blink. That early run set the tone for the entire first half, as UBC never came within 10 points of Ryerson for the rest of the opening 20 minutes, and found themselves down 37-23 at halftime.
 
The break seemed to revitalize UBC, as their defensive structure seemed to tighten up and they started relaxing a bit on offense.
 
Of course, the primary difference was the play of Spotton, who, after going 1-for-4 in the first half for just two points, started taking on Ryerson like a one-woman army. Spotton was a force in the paint throughout the third and fourth quarters, hitting some tough angles and forcing Ryerson to foul her in order to slow her down.
 
The highlight of the night came in the final frame with five and a half minutes remaining. Down 12, Spotton, with her back to the basket, was dropped by a Ryerson defender in the key. While falling to the ground, the UBC forward managed to launch a no-look shot over her shoulder, which banked off the glass and found the net.
 
Spotton's efforts got the 'Birds to within five points, at 64-59, with under three minutes remaining, but Ryerson held on to the final whistle. The final scoreboard read 76-66 for the Rams.
 
Even with the defeat, Huband isn't too worried. For her team, in a state of transition after losing long-time starters like Kris Young and Harleen Sidhu, it's just a matter of time until things start clicking with any kind of consistency.
 
"It's going to take a while for our young team," remarked Huband. "We've got four rookies, and though we have three starters back, we've got players that have to now step up into new roles. Every game is an opportunity for us to learn and grow as a group. I thought for parts of the game, we were really strong, and then we clearly have things we need to work on."
 
Huband's squad will have another chance to grow on Sunday, October 25, as the Western Mustangs will make their way to War Memorial Gym. Opening tip-off is set for 12 noon (PT).