Matchup
The conference playoffs are set to get underway this week with a place in the Canada West quarterfinals on the line. The UNBC Timberwolves (6-14, 6-14) make their way to War Memorial Gym for a best-of-three play-in series against the UBC Thunderbirds women's basketball team (20-9, 16-4).
The first matchup between the two sides is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. (PT) this Friday, February 17. The second contest is set for 2:00 p.m. (PT) on Saturday, February 18, while the third (if necessary) will tip off at 2:00 p.m. (PT) on Sunday, February 18.
The 'Birds ended their regular season with seven straight wins, including a pair of triumphs over the Timberwolves two weeks ago, claiming 75-59 and 76-72 wins over UNBC at home.
Last Action
Closing out their regular season with a flourish, the 'Birds scored a pair of nine-point wins over crosstown rivals the Trinity Western Spartans last week.
The first contest, a 67-58 win, saw the T-Birds dominate the fourth quarter, outscoring Trinity Western 21-11 over the final 10 minutes to secure a come-from-behind win.
Maddison Penn, who finished with a game-high 18 points, notched seven of in the final 2:12 of the fourth quarter to seal the win for the 'Birds.
In the second half of the back-to-back,
Jessica Hanson's 16 points and
Kara Spotton's 14-point, 10-rebound double-double led the 'Birds to a 62-53 triumph. The T-Birds' defensive prowess was on full display in the contest, as they racked up four blocks and eight steals, while holding the Spartans to just 33.3% shooting from the field (22-of-66).
By the Numbers
16 – Hanson could be peaking offensively at the right time, as her 16 points in the regular season finale were a season-high for the sophomore. Hanson has broken the double-digit mark in scoring eight times this year, with five of those coming in the past eight contests.
41.8 – The Thunderbirds shot lights out from the field during the regular season, as their field goal percentage of 41.8% (530-of-1269) and three-point field goal percentage of 34.5% (110-of-319) both sit atop the Canada West tables.
Players to Watch
Maddison Penn – Finishing second in the Canada West scoring race at 18.1 points-per-game, the dynamic Australian guard has provided a spark of offense in her first season for the Blue and Gold. On a per-game basis, Penn also finished second on the 'Birds in steals (1.4), assists (1.5), third in rebounds (5.9).
Kara Spotton – A force inside, the fifth-year senior was the Thunderbirds' best shot at a double-double on any given night, averaging 12.0 points-per-game, as well as 7.4 rebounds.Â
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