VANCOUVER - A second half push by the Thunderbirds wasn't enough to hold off the fast-paced Japanese U-18 national team who topped UBC 78-59 at War Memorial Gym.
 
Turnovers were costly for UBC, as Japan pressured the ball early and capitalized on their open looks. Japan hit a flurry of shots from beyond the arc that proved to be too much for the Thunderbirds.
 

Despite a second half push by the @ubctbirds, Japan wins 78-59 #GoBirdsGo #WBBall pic.twitter.com/cdoWKKc2FA

— Aneesa Heatherington (@aheatherington9) August 27, 2016

 
UBC Head Coach Deb Huband thought it was a good test for her young team. "We knew they would apply a lot of full court pressure and they're very tenacious and quick with their hands so they create a lot of turnovers - particularly in the first half, which really hurt us."



 
After a lackluster first half, Huband's team came out flying in the third quarter to cut into Japan's lead. "I thought we adjusted better in the second half and were able to execute and I was pleased with how we learned through the course of the game."
 
Next up, the Thunderbirds host Ottawa on Saturday, October 1st.