The Matchup

 
The No. 4 UBC thunderbirds (11-3) finally return to home court for the first time since early December when they host the MacEwan Griffins (4-10) this Friday and Saturday January 19 and 20.
 
The 'Birds will also be looking to remain perfect on their home floor where they're 8-0 this season when they meet the Griffins for the first time in Canada West play.
 
This weekend's action tips off on Friday night at 7 p.m. PT at UBC's War Memorial Gym while the rematch goes Saturday, also at 7 p.m PT.
 

Last Action

 
The T-Birds earned a split last weekend in Lethbridge getting past the Pronghorns 84-71 on Friday night but dropping a 106-101 overtime decision on Saturday night.
 
The Griffins also split their meetings hosting Mount Royal last weekend, falling 89-68 to the Cougars on Friday night but rebounding for a 80-70 win on Saturday night.
 

By the Numbers

 
95.3 – The average number of points scored by the T-Birds which ranks tops overall in the conference.
 
49.6 – The 'Birds field goal shooting percentage which also ranks first overall in Canada West.

Players to Watch

 
Conor Morgan (#9, F) – The fifth-year forward recorded back to back double doubles for the T-Birds who split last weekend's outings, combining for 55 points and 29 rebounds.
 
Patrick Simon (#11, F) – The fourth-year forward had a very efficient night in the 'Birds 84-71 win in Lethbridge last Friday, picking up the second most points at 12, while adding three rebounds and one steal in just 15 minutes of action.
 

Coach's Take

 
Thunderbirds head coach Kevin Hanson is taking last week's split in Lethbridge in stride and hopes his team will take some valuable lessons from the Saturday setback.
 
"The results have certainly made for a good week of practice so far, I though the first night we got away with a bit of sloppy play in the win but the second night Lethbridge stepped up and played very well. Obviously one of their players had a very special game to remember for a lifetime (Zac Overwater with a career-high 49 points) so we were really disappointed but it gave us an opportunity to watch a lot of game film." Hanson continued. "We need to learn from those close game ending situations but it gave us a chance to see how porous our defence was. You just simply can't give up 106 points regardless of if that's on the road or at home."
 
In terms of this weekend's competition Hanson is looking forward to seeing MacEwan for the first time in conference play.
 
"They're a scrappy team, their record is not a true indicator of where they are on the season and the players that they have," said Hanson. "They're a relatively young team, young into Canada West as well. They're in every game and have lost some close ones, they've got athleticism and scorers and we're anticipating an emotional first-ever meeting."