Matchup

The UBC Thunderbirds women's basketball team has shown a touch of inconsistency of late, going 2-4 since the calendar flipped to 2017. Still, the T-Birds' potent offense and ability to stifle teams defensively should give them a leg up on the middle-of-the-pack Brandon Bobcats (7-9, 7-9), who make their way to War Memorial Gym for a two-game series this weekend.
 

We are looking forward to "School Day" at UBC tomorrow! 12:30pm tip-off vs @BUBobcats, hoping the 1200 students are LOUD! @ubctbirds pic.twitter.com/tBCXrX5qHS

— UBC Women's Bball (@UBCWBBall) January 26, 2017

The first showdown between the two sides is a matinee on Friday, January 27, with tip-off set for 12:30 pm (PT). The special time on Friday coincides with 'School Day', where up to 1200 local grade school students will take in the game. The rematch is a primetime clash, with the 'Birds and Bobcats scheduled to square off at 5:00 pm (PT) on Saturday, January 28.

Last Action 

The 'Birds are coming in off an uneven pair of games against the Mount Royal Cougars in Calgary last weekend. In the opener last Friday, UBC fell 80-75 after a hot start from the Cougars saw the Albertans put up 26 first-quarter points to establish an early lead. T

In the second contest, the T-Birds delivered a phenomenal bounce-back performance, dominating from the opening whistle en route to a 87-59 win, the team's second-largest margin of victory this season (first being an 80-47 win over the Manitoba Bisons back in November).

Four 'Birds hit double figures in scoring in the latter contest, with sharpshooting guard pacing UBC with 16 points.

By the Numbers

298 – UBC head coach Deb Huband has racked up a remarkable 298 Canada West wins in her 22-year tenure at the helm of the T-Birds basketball program, and this past Monday, she was named among the 2017 inductees to the BC Basketball Hall of Fame.



6 – Khanna picked up all of her points against the Cougars from beyond the arc on Saturday, knocking a season-high six triples on 6-of-11 shooting. That mark of six made triples matches the school record of the past 15 years, matching marks set by Diana Lee (2015-16), Cassandra Knievel (2012-13, 2014-15), Erica McGuinness (2003-04), and Charmene Adams (2001-02),

Players to Watch

Keylyn Filewich (#9, F) – The rookie forward has been a terrific addition to the UBC front court, averaging 7.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per-game in just 16.3 minutes of floor time. The Manitoban recently notched her first career double-double, going off for 16 points and 11 rebounds against the Alberta Pandas two weeks ago.



Jessica Hanson (#11, G) – With dynamic athleticism and scoring ability, Hanson is one of only two players to start all 23 games this season (Kara Spotton). The sophomore has averaged. 7.7 points-per-game in conference play this season.

From the Coach's Mouth

We're expecting a really competitive game this week," says Huband. "They've got two very talented American JUCO transfers in the backcourt and a seemingly endless stream of big, physical post players, so we're going to have to be tight defensively and compete hard on the boards."

As for her Hall of Fame nod, "It's a tremendous honour and a privilege," says the head coach. "To be included among the class of 2017, and to be honoured next to the people who have shaped the game in this province, I'm grateful to be considered among them."