The Matchup

 
The UBC Thunderbirds (4-6) return home for a weekend engagement against the No. 3 Regina Cougars (7-1) this Friday and Saturday Dec 1 and 2.
 
It will be the first meeting between the two teams in nearly two years, dating back to late January of 2016 when the T-Birds dropped two close games on home court.
 
This weekend's action tips off on Friday night at 6 p.m. PT at UBC's War Memorial Gym. The rematch goes Saturday at 5 p.m. PT. For the opening game the 'Birds will be celebrating their first annual Festive Friday, signifying the last day of classes and inviting fans to get into the holiday spirit. Fans are encouraged to wear a Christmas sweater or wear some holiday colours while cheering on the 'Birds.
 
For more information on Festive Friday, visit
http://www.gothunderbirds.ca/sports/2017/11/23/festive-friday.aspx
 

Last Action

 
The T-Birds are coming off two road defeats against the Winnipeg Wesmen last weekend at the Duckworth centre with scores of 78-71 and 71-52 last Friday and Saturday.
 
The Cougars managed back-to-back wins over the Lethbridge Pronghorns in Regina last weekend.
 

By the Numbers

 
31.0 – The average number of defensive rebounds UBC earns per game which ranks first in the Canada West standings.
 
14.0 – the average number of personal fouls that have been called against the 'Birds per game, showing good discipline in averaging the second-least fouls per game in the conference.


 

Players to watch

 
Maddison Penn (#15, G) – The third-year guard combined for 42 points and 25 rebounds in back-to-back games in Winnipeg last weekend and in the process secured her fifth and sixth double-doubles of the season.
 
Keylyn Filewich (#9, F) – The second-year forward scored a team high 14 points in last Saturday's loss to the Wesmen. Filewich continues to lead the T-Birds with a 52.9% shooting per centage while ranking second in team scoring averaging 14.9 points per game.
 

Coach's Take

 
UBC head coach Deb Huband is expecting a very tough test from a well rounded visiting Cougars squad.
 
"They're at the top of Canada West right now and a team that has very strong outside three-point shooting," said Huband. "They also have lots of experience with their post play so they put up a lot of points and have a high-octane offence which is largely due to some of their players ability to get to the rim and open up opportunities for their shooters."
 
Huband expects the 'Birds fourth ranked rebounding numbers in the conference to get a test from the Cougars who come to town ranked just two spots in arears at sixth overall.
 
"The Cougars rebound the ball very well so that will continue to be a challenge for us, I expect there to be battle in the paint this weekend"