VANCOUVER – After two straight weeks on the road the (5-3) UBC Thunderbirds return to home court to welcome the (5-3) Lethbridge Pronghorns to the Point Grey campus for back-to-back meetings this weekend. It all begins on Friday, November 29 with a 6:00 p.m. tipoff followed by the rematch Saturday, November 30 and a 5:00 p.m. start time.
 
The T-Birds and Pronghorns last met nearly two years ago in January of 2018 in Lethbridge where it was the visitors that managed to edge the hosts 65-63 in the opening meeting before enjoying a more comfortable 11 point win the next night and a 76-65 score line.
 

Last Action

 
The 'Birds are coming off consecutive and convincing road victories against the UBC Okanagan Heat last weekend. Beginning with a 77-44 decision on Friday night, Keylyn Filewich led the way with yet another double double after pouring in 18 points and adding 11 rebounds. The secondary scoring was provided by Kate Johnson returning to her hometown of Kelowna to add 15 points, five rebounds and five steals. Jessica Hanson contributed 10 points, 6 assists and five rebounds.


 
The T-Birds also secured the rematch 75-57, once again it was Filewich leading the way with 19 points and seven rebounds, the fourth year forward currently sits in fifth spot in the Canada West in scoring, averaging 18.5 points per game while also occupying fourth spot overall in rebounding, averaging 9.8 per game.
 
Also pacing the blue and gold to victory was Hanson who added 16 points in the win while Tanis Metcalfe stepped up with 10 points and five rebounds.


 
After five consecutive victories the Pronghorns suffered back-to back defeats last weekend visiting the Fraser Valley Cascades. In Friday's 69-58 setback it was guard Kacie Bosch leading the way with 14 points and five steals while fellow Guard Jessica Haenni added 10 points.
 
In Saturday's 59-52 loss it was Haenni who registered a team high 18 points and four steals while forward Jessica Zarowny chipped in with 12 points and five rebounds.
 

Coach's Take

 
UBC head coach Deb Huband revealed what was most encouraging about the victories in Kelowna.
 
"I was pleased with our ability to give everybody some decent court time which I think is important for the growth of the group," said Huband. "Re-integrating Krysten Lindquist who's had a long road back from injury so she had a chance to get on the court in a more substantial role. I think it was nice to get a chance for everybody to contribute to the wins and an opportunity for everyone to get some court time."
 
Huband also previewed what she expects to see from the Pronghorns this weekend.
 
"I know they have much of their team back from last year when they were a Canada West final four squad so there's a lot of skill and experience on their roster. I think last year they took a real step forward with their team rising in the CW rankings and with more or less the same team this year I think they have more potential to do well. So, we expect a veteran group led by (Kacie) Bosch and Katie Keith, they're dynamic, they get to the rim and rebound hard so we'll have to compete and defend and win the battle of the boards this weekend."