VANCOUVER - The UBC Thunderbirds topped the Seattle Mountaineers 87-66 in their first preseason action since August.
UBC got out to an 8-0 lead at War Memorial Gym and never looked back – holding the ABA Mountaineers to just 16% from three point land and earning a whopping 25 points off of turnovers.
Conor Morgan led the way for the 'Birds, going 10 for 17 from the field, 2 for 6 from beyond the arc and snagging 11 boards en route to a massive double-double.
The veteran forward felt his team started slow, but was happy with how they responded as the game progressed.
"I think the first half was pretty bad basketball – we straightened a couple things out in the second half. We definitely showed some flashes and I think we did pretty well. "
Morgan's 'flashes' included a handful of monster dunks that UBC Head Coach
Kevin Hanson thought turned the tide.
"Conor got it going there with a couple of huge dunks that really sparked the squad in the second half."
Hanson was also pleased with the Thunderbird's defensive efforts and all-around team game.
"It's great when you get the opportunity to play all twelve guys, so it was good to get some young guys experience against a pretty good team. Those guys have all played high level basket ball…Division 1 basketball, so it's a really good test to out-rebound them."
With a lengthy exhibition schedule ahead, Hanson will continue to evaluate his roster.
"We're still looking at where guys are going to be…they're fighting for playing time. Over the next few games we'll decide subbing rotations and give guys opportunities to get ready."
The T-Birds host Lethbridge next weekend in a double header at War Memorial Gym.
