VANCOUVER - The UBC Thunderbirds (12-5) dominated the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades (7-10) from start to finish Friday evening, en route to a 92-68 win at War Memorial Gym. The surging T-Birds extended their winning streak to eight games with an efficient, balanced attack that took advantage of numerous UFV turnovers.
"Any time you can get everyone involved and play, it's obviously a good night," said UBC head coach Kevin Hanson. "It's really nice to see the chemistry developing, guys really cheering for each other, rooting for each other. It puts you in a pretty happy team spirit. There's a real sense of belief in ourselves, belief in each other."
Several UBC players had standout performances, led by Triston Matthews and James Woods who scored 20 points each. Matthews also had 10 rebounds to record a double double, while Woods led the team with four three-pointers on only seven attempts. However, it was the T-Birds captain who impressed his coach the most.
"I thought Jack Cruz-Dumont obviously had an incredible game," said Hanson. "11 points, nine assists and only one turnover. Great night out of him. We're starting to see confidence build and certain guys step up and play really well."
Dylan Kinley and Courtney Anderson led the Cascades with 12 points apiece. UFV's Chris Jackson pulled down 11 rebounds, which was a game high.
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It was an explosive start to the game for the T-Birds, as they jumped out to a 14-4 lead in the opening minutes. Both teams struggled with their shot through the rest of the first frame, each hitting less than 30% of their shots from the field. Despite UFV tightening up its defence as the quarter went on, it was UBC holding on to an 18-13 lead after the first.
The T-Birds again came out hot in the second quarter, starting it off with a 10-2 run. UBC's lead reached as much as 18 points in the second frame, as the home team took a 44-28 advantage into the break behind much-improved shooting. The Birds' Triston Mathews was the only player to score in double figures in the first half, chipping in 12 points.
UBC kept pouring it on in the second half, starting it with another 18-6 run, the lead nearly reaching 30 early in the third quarter. The T-Birds hit four threes in the quarter, two each from
Jamesley Jerome and
James Woods. They were shooting a blistering 44% from deep as a team at that point, which powered their commanding 74-48 lead over the Cascades going into the final frame.
The fourth quarter saw UFV outscore UBC by two, but both teams had emptied their benches midway through it.
These two teams will play the second half of their back to back Saturday at 6:00 p.m. (PT) at UBC's War Memorial Gym.
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