The Matchup

 
War Memorial Gym will be the site of a regional basketball rivalry when the UFV Cascades travel to Point Grey to take on the Thunderbirds. Tip-off is Friday at 6 PM (PT).
 
The 'Birds and Cascades will meet up for the first time since last February 2016, when UBC sent UFV packing from the Canada West playoffs in a two game series sweep in Abbotsford. The second game saw the T-Birds dominate the overtime period and win a thriller, 84-78.


 
"FV is a youthful team led by all-star veteran Kayli Sartori," says UBC Head Coach Deb Huband. "They have some dangerous long-range shooters that compliment a physical inside presence. We expect another gritty opponent who will use physicality to counter our quickness and mobility."
 

Last Action

 
After starting their pre-season with tough losses to the two NCAA teams and the U-18 national squad from Japan, UBC looked very solid in a 51-43 victory over Ottawa on October 1st.
 
The Cascades had a tough go of things at the University of Regina's "Cougar Classic". UFV lost their three games to Alberta, Carleton and Ryerson by a combined 60 points.
 

By the Numbers

 
10 - the number of UBC players who recorded a rebound against Ottawa. The Thunderbirds will dress six first-year players this season, but they are a long, athletic team destined to go as far as their defense and rebounding will carry them.
 

Sneak peak from tonight's photo shoot with @RichLamPhoto #Seniors #Rookies #candids pic.twitter.com/J1Z44epm5b

— UBC Women's Bball (@UBCWBBall) October 11, 2016

 
85.7 – UBC's free throw percentage against Ottawa (18-21). A team is set up for success if they can capitalize on the freebies with such proficiency.
 

Players To Watch

 
Ali Norris – (#6,G) – the first-year point guard is getting more comfortable in the Thunderbirds system with every game. She saw 21 minutes of court time against Ottawa, recording 7 points and 2 steals.


 
Shilpa Khanna – (#2,G) – UBC's offense is a much more dynamic force when the fourth-year guard is dialed in from outside the arc. Khanna will be looking to have a bounce back game after going 0-3 from downtown against Ottawa.
 

Quotable

"It is few weeks since we played Ottawa and earned our 1st win so we are eager to get back on the court to compete as well as assess our progress as a team. We hope to be more comfortable on the court as a team and further along in our individual and team execution," says Huband. "With such a youthful team, we are continuing to learn more about our players, roles, strengths and areas to improve. We are very excited to have another opportunity to see how far this group has come in a short time."