The Matchup
Playoff lives are at stake when the UBC Thunderbirds (10-10) host the Lethbridge Pronghorns (11-9) in a single game play-in this Friday February 9. The winner will advance further into post season play with Canada West quarterfinal action scheduled for the following weekend.
The Thunderbirds and Pronghorns are familiar with each other having met just under a month ago in Alberta where the T-Birds came away with back to back wins, beginning with a close 65-63 victory followed by a 76-65 triumph on January 12 and 13.
This Friday's action tips off at 6 p.m. PT at War Memorial Gym.
Last Action
The 'Birds saw a six-game winning streak halted last weekend with back to back narrow losses in a home and home series against the University of Victoria Vikes, falling 76-74 in Victoria on Thursday followed by a 77-73 home court setback on Friday.
The Pronghorns are coming off a weekend split hosting the University of Alberta, Lethbridge took last Friday's opener 72-63 but dropped a 68-58 decision the following night.
By the Numbers
42.9 – The average number of overall rebounds the T-Birds manage per game which ranks fourth overall in the Canada West standings.
40.7 – The 'Birds field goal shooting percentage which ranks fifth overall in the conference.
Players to Watch
Jessica Hanson (#11, G) – The third-year guard scored a game and a career high 28 points which included converting on six of her 10 attempts from three-point land in Saturday's narrow 77-73 loss to UVic. Hanson also added four rebounds and four assists.
Madison Penn (#15, G) – The third-year guard registered back to back double doubles in combining for 38 points and 22 rebounds against Victoria last weekend. Penn currently ranks second overall in the Canada West standings, scoring an average of 18.8 points per game.
Coach's Take
Thunderbirds head coach
Deb Huband is pleased with how her young team has competed down the backstretch of the season.
"I think we're playing much better basketball in 2018 in spite of two close losses last weekend," said Huband. "I think we're playing a much stronger team game offensively and defensively. I think we have a deeper understanding of each other on the court and how we need to play together, I think the team has really evolved and the way we're playing now gives us a chance to win some more games."
Huband expects an intense playoff encounter against the Pronghorns who they managed to get past in back to back games less than a month ago.
"We had a recent matchup so we are familiar with their team in some regards which is nice but we expect a battle in a one game winner take all," Huband added "We have a lot of respect for their program and they have some talented players, we're going to have to compete and bring our A game."
