PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. — The UBC Thunderbirds looked hungry to avoid a sweep, leading the UNBC Timberwolves from wire to wire, eventually topping the TWolves 80-62 Saturday night at the Charles Jago Northern Sports Centre.
Canada West All-Star
Keylyn Filewich provided problems for UNBC on the inside, bullying her way to 10 points in the first quarter as UBC led 22-15 after the opening stanza.
The second quarter saw more from the T-Birds as Filewich,
Tanis Metcalfe, and
Madison Legault gave the home team problems on the glass, creating second chance scoring opportunities. UBC held a 25-15 advantage in rebounds, which was the story.
Responding for the TWolves was Maria Mongomo, who was looking to break out of her early-season shooting woes. She had 10 points and eight rebounds, while Filewich had 14 points and seven rebounds as UBC led 42-23 at halftime.
"We just talked about playing our own game, and I don't think last night was a good showing at all of what we can do," said UBC guard
Jessica Hanson. "It was definitely an improvement from last night, so just taking small steps forward and focusing on our game."
Jessica Hanson made a pair of three-pointers in the third quarter to help keep the TWolves at bay, as the visitors led 62-45 after 30 minutes.
In the final stanza UBC was able to continue to make shots with
Kate Johnson and
Hailey Counsell making an impact. The Timberwolves battled to the final buzzer, but eventually fell 80-62.
Filewich was the engine for the T-Birds on offence, finishing with 24 points and 17 rebounds, to go along with five assists. Hanson added 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while
Tanis Metcalfe had 11 points for UBC.
"I'm just trying to be more of a calming, older presence out there," said Hanson. "It's been three years since we've had any fifth years on the team, or any older players than me. It's been kind of a coming of age, and I think we're still all maturing but it feels nice to be able to be that older girl."
Landry was the high scorer for UNBC, putting up 21 points, three rebounds and three assists. Mongomo chipped in with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
UBC now sits at 3-3 on the season, while the TWolves slip to 2-4.
The 'Birds head back on the road again next weekend when they visit the UBC Okanagan Heat Friday and Saturday in Kelowna.
