The UBC Thunderbirds went the distance and beyond in their final pre-season outing before eventually dropping an 83-79 overtime decision against the Alberta Pandas to close out the Canada West Basketball tournament in Calgary Saturday afternoon.
 
The T-Birds settled for the weekend split after opening the tournament with a 62-47 win over the MT. Royal Cougars on Friday night, ahead of concluding the exhibition season with a 5-3 overall record against both Canada West and U SPORTS competition.


 
UBC found themselves trailing after three quarters of play on Saturday but battled back to erase an eight point fourth quarter deficit to force overtime but were then outscored 8-4 in extra time by the triumphant Pandas.
 
Setting the pace for the 'Birds on Saturday was fourth-year forward Keylyn Filewich matching a game high 31 points shared with Alberta guard Vanessa Wild. Offering the offensive support for the T-Birds was fifth-year guard Jessica Hanson pouring in 23 points with help from hitting three of her seven three-point attempts. Meanwhile Madison Legault, Hailey Counsell and Gabrielle Laguerta all chipped in with five points each.
 
In Friday's more convincing outing, a 62-47 victory over MT. Royal it was the veteran Hanson stepping up to lead the way thanks to her game high 18 points which included a perfect two for two from three-point land. Filewich was also leading by example, inking her name all over the scoresheet in registering a double double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Fourth-year guard Gabrielle Laguerta added 13 points and like Hanson was effective from outside hitting three of her seven attempts from beyond the arc to help secure the win.


 
The T-Birds will continue to fine tune their squad at practice this week ahead of opening the Canada West regular season on the road next weekend with two games against the Regina Cougars beginning Friday, November 1 at 5 p.m. PT. UBC will then enjoy home opening weekend on the Point Grey campus when they host the Calgary Dinos November 8 and 9^that War Memorial Gym.