The Matchup

After a perfect start to the Canada West season at home, the UBC Thunderbirds (2-0) head on the road for four straight games starting with a weekend double header against the Calgary Dinos (2-0) Friday and Saturday, November 3 and 4.

It's been almost two full years since the 'Birds and Dinos met in conference play back in November of 2015 and while neither program is terribly familiar with the other, both know they're in for a good early season test.

Tip-off at Calgary's Jack Simpson Gym is set for 5:00 p.m. PT Friday with Saturday's rematch scheduled for 4:00 p.m. PT.


 

Last Action

UBC earned a pair of convincing wins over the Fraser Valley Cascades, 71-62 and 69-49 in the 'Birds' home opening weekend last Friday and Saturday.

Calgary likewise had little trouble in their season opening double header in Prince George defeating the Timberwolves 80-55 Friday night followed by an 81-58 win Saturday.
 

By the Numbers

41.5 – UBC's field goal shooting percentage, tied for third best in the conference.

47.5 – The average number of total rebounds by the Thunderbirds, leading the Canada West. UBC's 34 average defensive rebounds is by far and away the highest in the conference ahead of Alberta's 30.5.
 

Players to Watch

Keylyn Filewich (#9, F) – The second-year forward is taking on an even bigger role for the 'Birds this season and leads UBC with 42 points having put up 21 in each of her first two games last weekend. The Winnipeg native is fourth in Canada West scoring and second in shooting percentage.
 

.@MuscleMLKCAN's T-Bird of the Week: @keylynfilewich's first Canada West double-double with 12 rebounds helped the 'Birds defeat UFV 69-49. pic.twitter.com/NEuMNXIbPK

— UBC Thunderbirds (@ubctbirds) November 1, 2017

Ali Norris (#6, G) – Along with Filewich, Norris leads the 'Birds with 10 defensive rebounds. The second-year guard logged heavy minutes in last weekend's home opener series and her five steals in Friday's win led all players on the court.
 

Coach's Take

As the 'Birds begin their longest stretch of road games this season, UBC head coach Deb Huband believes her team is ready for the additional challenges that come with extended time away from home.

"I think the pre-season prepared us for travel and road trips and what that's like but I think any time you have back-to-back road trips during league play it's a bit of a challenge with keeping up with school and making sure you have rest and recovery," said Huband. "It is what it is, the schedule isn't something we can control so we just make our best effort to be prepared and then handle the travel as best we can."



The 'Birds had a relatively easy time against the Cascades last weekend but the Dinos will present a bigger challenge especially with a large crowd and lots of hype expected for their home opener.

"They're a dynamic team, they have a unique style, no real inside presence back to the basket player but a lot of very dynamic players that can look to take you off the dribble," said Huband of the Dinos. "They shoot the three extremely well, I think all but two players on their roster shoot the three. They're a little bit unorthodox and atypical and we've been working on getting familiar with them over the course of the week."