WINNIPEG - The UBC Thunderbirds (3-0) kept their perfect start to the season going, picking up a decisive 80-52 win over the Winnipeg Wesmen (1-2) at the Duckworth Centre on Friday evening.
The T-Birds smothering defence never gave the Wesmen a chance to mount a challenge, as UBC held their Manitoba opponents to a remarkably stingy eight points in the first quarter and a total of only 18 by the half. The 'Birds had a 29-point lead at the break and never looked back, emptying the bench and giving everyone on UBC at least 11 minutes of playing time over the course of the game.
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Olivia Weekes led the way for the blue and gold with a monstrous 20 point, 14 rebound effort in just 30 minutes, single-handedly outscoring the entire Wesmen team in the first quarter. She added three steals and a block for good measure.Â
Emilia Banmann chipped in with a near double-double herself, finishing with 10 points and eight boards on a delightfully efficient 5-7 from the field. She rounded out her stat line with two assists, a steal and a block as well.
Cerys Merton had a game-high four steals and
Stella Lagrange a game-high five assists in the complete team effort.
The two teams rematch on Saturday back at the Duckworth Centre, with tip-off set for 5:00 p.m. (PT). Stream it live or on demand on
Canada West TV.
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