The UBC Thunderbirds (6-10) defeated the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack (1-17) 80-35 and recognized graduation seniors Kate Johnson, Dina Strujic and Madison Legault in their final home game at War Memorial Gym.
 
Johnson finished with 20 points, a career-high eight steals, seven assists and three rebounds, Strujic had 3 points, 5 rebounds and a steal, and Legault put up a career-high 18 points with seven boards in the convincing victory.



"I think the biggest thing after the heartbreaker last night was our ability to come out with a win," said UBC head coach Erin McAleenan after the T-Birds bounced back after a tough loss to UFV and are now even with UBCO for fifth in the west division standings. "On Seniors Night we wanted to dig in a little bit more, and I'm super proud of how the three seniors stayed focussed and played tough at both ends. With Hailey Counsell out, we had to shift some things around, so we had some bench players really step up – especially on the defensive end."
 
Jessica Orr led the WolfPack with nine points, Elana Sireni had seven points, six boards and two blocks, as TRU earned six blocked shots and 16 steals in their final regular season game.  
 
Emily Martindale found Legault in the paint for an easy lay-in and an 8-2 UBC lead in the first quarter before Sara Toneguzzi drained a three for the 'Birds on the next possession. T-Birds' defence continued to stifle TRU through the first, and UBC held the WolfPack to just three points in the frame – leading 18-3 heading into the second. The Thunderbirds capitalized on 13 WolfPack turnovers and scored 11 points on the fast break to solidify a comfortable advantage.



Sireni put TRU on the board early in the second with two free throws and Kelsey Cruz scored on a strong step-through, but Legault and Johnson each got to the rim for UBC and restored a 22-8 cushion. Priyanca Sundher knocked down a triple at 28-15 'Birds, but Johnson made back-to-back baskets to take the T-Birds into halftime up 32-15.
 
Katie Hartman beat the shot clock for a long two and a 39-15 lead as UBC continued to build momentum through the third, until Orr and Sireni drained back-to-back threes at 48-26 T-Birds. The home team replied with a 10-1 run and ended the quarter with Johnson finding Azalya Forstbauer at the buzzer for a 58-27 edge.


 
The Thunderbirds showcased their depth in a lop-sided fourth quarter, and the three graduating seniors received standing ovations as they exited the court at War Memorial Gym for the final time. Second-year centre Olivia Morgan-Cherchas entered the game and dropped her first three on her second-ever three-point attempt as a Thunderbird to cap off the 80-35 victory.

Recently retired UBC head coaching legend Deb Huband stood alongside the three graduating seniors and coach McAleenan in celebration of their dedication and impact in the blue and gold over the years.
 

?? WBB | Congratulations ???? to our 3 graduating seniors Kate Johnson, Dina Strujic, & Madison Legault following their final home game at War Memorial Gym on Seniors Night!

Thank you for your dedication & impact. Once a T-Bird, always a T-Bird!@DebHuband @emcaleenan pic.twitter.com/oPCeyYtOzz

— UBC Thunderbirds (@ubctbirds) February 13, 2022

Next up for the Thunderbirds is a Thursday evening tilt with the UNBC Timberwolves (6-7) at 6:00 p.m. (PT) in Prince George, before closing out the regular season in Kelowna against the UBCO Heat on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. (PT).


 
"We still want to work on consistency with our aggressive on-ball defence," added McAleenan as the T-Birds look to build off of the dominant victory. "Offensively, when we're not scoring, we have to find ways to take good shots and be balanced at the rim. We want to stay focussed on the game plan, not let the pressure consume us, and enjoy the opportunity. We're all going to the playoffs regardless, and in a one-and-done situation anything can happen."
 
The WolfPack are on a break until the Canada West playoffs get underway with a tournament including all 17 conference teams from March 4^th-6^th in Calgary, Alberta.