The Matchup

 
UBC will host Ottawa at War Memorial Gym on Saturday night in a preseason tilt with the Gee Gees.
 
As the regular season approaches, the Thunderbirds will be looking to further develop their young roster and tune-up against an unfamiliar opponent. Ottawa had a strong 2015-16 campaign leading their OUA North Division with a 17-2 record. The Gee Gees were ranked 7th going in the CIS Final 8 Championships last year, but were ousted in the quarter-finals by Saskatchewan.


 
The T-Birds' were also eliminated by the Huskies in the Canada West quarterfinal series to end the season. This year will be one of rebuilding as six rookies are hoping to crack the starting 5. 
 
 

Last Action

 
Ottawa wrapped up a six-game set against NCAA teams back on August 12th, where they dropped the finale 75-61 to Seton Hall University.
 
The 'Birds are coming off a tough test against the U-18 Japanese National Team last month that provided the young UBC team an opportunity to test themselves against a high-octane Japanese squad. In the 59-78 loss, first-year Thunderbirds Maddison Penn and Ali Norris showed off their potential.
 

By the Numbers

 
26 – the number of points veteran forward Kara Spotton put up in 45 mins of action against stiff NCAA competition this summer. 


 
0 – the number of games Ottawa lost on the road in 19 CIS games last season.
 

Players To Watch

 
Maddison Penn – UBC - (#15, F) – the NCAA and Australian National program product is a force in the paint with deft hands and the potential to be a dominating rebounder for the Thunderbirds.


 
Katherine Lemoine – Ottawa - (#21, F) – the Gee Gees' feisty senior is having a solid start in the preseason and will be a worthy matchup for UBC's bigs.  
 

Coach's Take

 
"Last time we matched up against Ottawa it was the CIS National Championship Semi-final in 2012," said UBC Head Coach Deb Huband. "They have been a strong team in the OUA and anytime you can match up against out of conference opponents it provides a great opportunity to see access level of play across conferences and the country. October 1^st is early to start CIS exhibition games particularly for a team as youthful as ours. We are excited to begin the journey."