The Match-Up
The UBC Thunderbirds men's basketball team (6-0) will seek to add to their impressive six-game win streak when they host the struggling UBCO Heat (1-7) this weekend at UBC's War Memorial Gym. The games will take place on Friday, December 2 at 8:00pm (PT) and Saturday, December 3 at 7:00pm (PT).
Without a doubt the 'Birds are the odds on favorite this weekend. Without a conference loss this season, they sit only four points behind the undefeated Alberta Golden Bears (8-0).
After opening the season with a win, the Heat have lost seven straight. Their unfortunate start to the 2016-17 season has them sitting at the bottom of the Canada West division.
Last Action
The Thunderbirds finished last weekend with another pair of wins over the Vikes, though they narrowly escaped with a 93-89 OT win last Saturday. The close game proved that UBC is not invincible, and may have been a wakeup call for a team accustomed to winning.
UBCO showed their potential in their hard fought 78-75 loss to Thompson Rivers last Friday. Despite their record, the season is still young and the Heat have a chance to ignite before the winter break.
By the Numbers
86.7 – Average PPG for the T-Birds. The impressive tally is good for seventh in Canada.
9 – Number of Thunderbirds who contributed points to last Saturday's OT win. Scoring depth has helped the 'Birds excel and is part of the reason for their undefeated season.
Players to Watch
Conor Morgan (F, #9) – Who else? His stellar 37-point night last Saturday was a personal best, and the main reason UBC stayed alive through four quarters. He is now averaging a team leading 24.3 PPG.
Phil Jalalpoor (G, #7) – He was the lone T-Bird, apart from Morgan, who put up double digits in both games against Victoria. His late-game resurgence last Saturday helped lift UBC to victory.
