The Matchup

 
The UBC Thunderbirds (8-8) go in search of a fifth straight victory when they visit the UBC Okanagan Heat this Friday and Saturday January 26 and 27.
 
It will be the first meeting between the two teams since just over a year ago in early December of 2016 when the T-Birds won back to back meetings of 72-57 followed by 90-69 at War Memorial Gym.
 
This weekend's action tips off on Friday at 6 p.m. PT at the UBC Okanagan Gymnasium while the rematch goes Saturday at 5 p.m. PT.
 

Last Action

 
The 'Birds are coming off back to back wins last weekend in getting past the visiting MacEwan Griffins by a convincing 64-39 score line on Friday followed by a closer 58-52 margin of victory on Saturday.
 
The Heat suffered back to back setbacks on the road to the Calgary Dinos, falling 66-43 on Friday while dropping a 90-69 decision on Saturday.
 

By the Numbers

 
42.0 – The average number of overall rebounds the T-Birds amass per game which ranks fifth overall in the Canada West standings.
 
14.1 – The average number of personal fouls that are called against the disciplined Thunderbirds per game, which is the fewest in the conference.


 

Players to Watch

 
Dayna Pearce (#8, G) – The first-year guard came up clutch last Saturday night scoring six of her nine points in the fourth quarter. This included a three pointer as the shot clock expired to swing momentum and help rally UBC past MacEwan 58-52.
 
Keylyn Filewich (#9, F) – The second-year forward leads the team in hitting 54 percent of her field goals which also ranks second overall in Canada West. Filewich combined for 20 points and 15 rebounds in back to back wins over MacEwan last weekend.
 

Coach's Take

 
Thunderbirds head coach Deb Huband has been fairly pleased with her squads play in winning four straight games but is weary of letting bad habits creep in.

"We were happy to come away with two wins last weekend but our game can always improve and that's what we're working hard towards every day in practice and I think we're on the right track," said Huband. "I think our general overall team play has improved, I think we're being more accountable and reliable defensively and I think there's been a lot of learning as a five-player unit on the floor."
 
Huband also sized up the weekend competition ahead of meeting the Heat.
 
"They're an undersized hardworking feisty team and quite youthful as well but are led by a couple of veterans so we expect them to compete hard and battle. We have to make sure we go in with a commitment and focus to take in the opportunity of two more games and continue the process of growth."