The No.4 UBC Thunderbirds are on the road this weekend for an intriguing matchup to conclude the Canada West regular season visiting No.7 Alberta Golden Bears this weekend at Saville Community Sports Centre in Edmonton.
 
The first of two meetings is set for Friday, February 1 at 7:00 p.m. followed by a 6:00 p.m. tipoff the following night Saturday, February 2.
 
It will be the first regular season meeting between the T-Birds and Golden Bears in just over two years dating back to mid-January 2017 where UBC swept the home weekend series over Alberta with scores of 78-68 and 102-76 at War Memorial Gym.

?? MBB | Without a doubt @ubctbirds are putting on an exciting performance to watch, and it's a competitive game tonight vs. @UNBCATHLETICS. The visitors came close to taking the lead, but the 'Birds remain ahead 55-50 at the end of the 3rd. #GoBirdsGo pic.twitter.com/GeXhHNRTGl

— UBC Thunderbirds / @UBCTBirds (@ubctbirds) January 27, 2019

 

Last Action

 
Last weekend the 'Birds improved their record to 17-1 and extended their winning streak to 16 consecutive games after back to back victories over the UNBC Timberwolves by scores of 94-75 and 88-73.
 
The Golden Bears record sits at 13-5 after splitting their two-game series last weekend on the road against the Saskatchewan Huskies. It began with a narrow 74-70 loss on Friday night before the visitors bounced back for a 94-80 win in the follow up affair.


 

Players to Watch

 
Grant Shephard – (#10, F) The Second-year forward was a big factor last weekend in combining for 42 points and 22 rebounds, highlighted by his double double and game high 24 points and 13 rebounds in Saturdays victory. The Kelowna native currently sits third in Canada West offensive rebounds (63), fourth in total boards (163), fourth in blocks (21) and leads the conference with an impressive 67.0 field goal percentage.
 
Mason Bourcier – (#13, G) The second-year guard has emerged this season to largely set the tempo & offensive rhythm for the T-Birds. Bourcier combined for 31 points, 17 assists and 11 rebounds in last weekend's home series sweep. The Kelowna boy leads the team in averaging 5.6 assists per game which slots him at fourth overall in the Canada West.


 

Coach's Take

 
"I think we're starting to see some signs of some real team basketball both at the offensive end and defensively we're starting to help each other more," said UBC head coach Kevin Hanson. "So, we're starting to grow as a team and the games down the stretch here have been good for us and we're looking forward to this weekend and an exceptional challenge against an experienced U of A team."
 
Hanson also previewed what to expect in Edmonton this weekend.
 
"Alberta has a dynamic team, Brody Clarke is having a great season up there in scoring (6^th in CW 18.8 ppg) and leading the conference in rebounding (11.1 rpg) so he's a handful, a tough matchup and finds different ways to score," added Hanson. "They're a well-rounded team with some athletic guards, good shooters and they play good solid team defence. We'll have to execute very well, we have a good game plan in place and we're looking forward to the challenge."