The Matchup

 
The UBC Thunderbirds (8-2) will face arguably their toughest test of the 2016-17 season when the Canada West-leading Alberta Pandas (11-1) enter the confines of War Memorial Gym.

The two games tip off on Friday, January 13th at 6:00pm PST and Saturday, January 14th at 5:00pm PST.
 

 
Deb Huband's youthful 'Birds squad will look to regain their winning ways after going 8-0 before the holiday break, then running into the defending national champion Saskatchewan Huskies.
 

Last Action

 
UBC dropped their first two games of the 2016-17 season last weekend in Saskatchewan. UBC looked like they had some holiday rust in the Friday night game, falling behind early and dropping a 68-46 decision. On Saturday night the 'Birds were a much more tenacious bunch and held a slight lead over the Huskies at halftime. A big third quarter by Saskatchewan ultimately paced the Huskies to a 73-69 victory.
 
The Pandas split a home and home series with the Calgary Dinos, suffering their first defeat of 2016-17 last Saturday by the score of 60-57.
 

By The Numbers

 
5-0 – UBC's record against Canada West opponents at War Memorial Gym this season. If you're going to snuff out a two game winless streak, there's no better place than home.
 
5 – the number of UBC players with 20 or more steals in 2016-17. The 'Birds are at their best when they are playing tenacious team defence.
 

Players To Watch

 
Kara Spotton – (#8, F) – having a very efficient season for UBC. The 5th year forward leads the 'Birds in overall shooting percentage (50.5%) and rebounds (7 rpg) on the season.


 
Keylyn Filewich – (#9, F) – the Winnipeg native is making strong progress in her first year as a T-Bird. Filewich is giving the 'Birds solid production off the bench (7.3 ppg and 5.5 rpg) during conference play.
 

Coach's Take

 
"We expect Alberta to come in and be a gritty, feisty and competitive team," says UBC Head Coach Deb Huband. "We have to understand our opponent, but really our focus has to be getting ourselves on track by defending the way we want to defend and playing with tempo and attention to detail in our offensive execution."
 

Look out 2017, we're coming for you! Happy New Year from @UBCWBBall! pic.twitter.com/tz3Xfb8zKm

— UBC Women's Bball (@UBCWBBall) January 1, 2017

 
Huband likes that her charges will play home games for the first time since early December of 2016.
 
"It's always nice to have some home court advantage and we are happy to be practicing and competing in our home gym. Hopefully that will help us continue to take positives steps in the development of our youthful team."