Matchup
Riding all sorts of momentum into their back-to-back series with the Brandon Bobcats (7-9, 7-9) this weekend, the No. 2-ranked UBC Thunderbirds men's basketball team (20-2, 13-1) will be looking to continue to justify that lofty placement.
The 'Birds and Bobcats are scheduled to do battle on Friday, January 27, and Saturday, January 28. Both games are set to tip off at 7:00 pm (PT) in War Memorial Gym.
Last ActionÂ
The Thunderbirds have been firing on all cylinders over the past few weeks, as their current five-game win streak has seen them post a margin of victory no smaller than nine points. Most recently, the 'Birds went into Calgary and swept the host Mount Royal Cougars, taking games by scores of 81-60 and 88-79.
Those wins were impressive enough for the 'Birds to vault the OUA powerhouse Ottawa Gee-Gees and reclaim the No. 2 spot in the national rankings.
On the other side of the court, Brandon has appearned to turn a corner in 2017 after a rough start to the season. The Bobcats have won four of their past six games to kick off the calendar year, including a pair of gutsy wins last week over the Regina Cougars (95-91 and 95-85).
By the Numbers
24.8 – A front runner for U Sports MVP at the three-quarter mark of the season, UBC forward
Conor Morgan leads the country in scoring with an average of 24.8 points-per-game in conference play.
72.2 – As a team, the 'Birds are allowing just 72.2 points-per-game - the lowest average among Canada West teams and eighth-lowest mark in the country.
Players to Watch
Isaiah Familia (#4, G) – The freshman guard has found a modicum of consistency in recent weeks, picking up at least seven points in each of the last four games. An impressive shooter and all-around offensive weapon, the Windsor, ON native has provided a spark for the 'Birds off the bench.
Taylor Browne (#5, G) – In his second year out of Holy Cross Secondary, Browne has become an absolute sniper for the Thunderbirds. Sitting eighth in Canada West with a 43.5% conversion rate on three-pointers, the sophomore trails only Morgan among the T-Birds most accurate deep-ball shooters.
From the Coach's Mouth
"Having watched a lot of video of them, I definitely don't think their record is indicative of how good a team they are," said UBC head coach
Kevin Hanson of the Bobcats. "They're athletic, they have some great size, and a couple of guys that can really shoot the ball. We're definitely going in mindful that this is a very talented team we're about to play, regardless of the record."
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