The Matchup
Fresh off their fourth consecutive win to open the 2016-17 CIS season, the UBC Thunderbirds men's basketball team (4-0) appear to be one of the most dominant teams in Canada West. The 'Birds will split hosting duties with the Victoria Vikes (2-4) this weekend, playing on Friday, November 25 at 8:00pm (PT) in Victoria and Sunday, November 27 at 2:00pm (PT) at UBC's War Memorial Gym.
UBC defeated the Vikes in both their meetings last season, while Victoria handled the Thunderbirds in their 2014-15 games. The T-Birds 4-0 season record is hard to ignore, but Victoria's improvements last weekend against MacEwan showed they are certainly a capable team.
Last Action
Although the Thunderbirds walked away with a pair of wins last weekend agains the visiting Manitoba Bisons, the games were much closer than UBC's season openers against TRU. The Bisons nearly made a 4th quarter comeback last Friday, and UBC narrowly won the following night with a 75-72 finish.
A undesirable 1-3 start to the season was not enough to discourage the Vikes, who split their games last weekend against MacEwan. Their clutch OT win last Friday was followed by a close 67-63 loss the following night. If Victoria can keep that momentum going, they will prove to be a challenge this weekend.
By the Numbers
22.3 – Successful free throws per game for UBC, good for first in Canada West. UBC's skill from the free throw line has certainly contributed to their early season success.
40 – 3PT percentage for UBC's opponents. The T-Birds defense will need to be more agressive in preventing their opponents accuracy with the long ball.
Players to Watch
Conor Morgan (F, #9) – The senior Thunderbird is in top form early in the season, and is the lone T-Bird to be averaging more than 20 PPG.
Jordan Jensen-Whyte (G, #6) – Another veteran T-Bird who is making his presence felt on the court. He is averaging 32 minutes-per-game, and his scoring is consistent with 14.8 PPG.
Coach's Take
UBC head coach
Kevin Hanson is understandably pleased with his team's performance so far this season, citing their physicality as a key component of their success.
"We were pleased with the outcomes of last weekend's games. We played very well
on Friday but allowed them back in to it but managed to execute pretty well late in the game to seal the win," he said.
Hanson knows that the friendly rivalry between UBC and UVIC is sure to make for a good weekend of basketball in both cities.
"We always look forward to the games against UVIC. We will have to play solid defence and be ready to execute on the offensive end. We are looking forward to playing in front of big crowds for both games."
