VANCOUVER – The Canada West playoffs are fast approaching and the UBC Thunderbirds (10-8) are guaranteed a playoff spot in the Canada West play-in scenario. But there is still plenty to be decided from a seeding standpoint, and depending on how things go this weekend, Erin McAleenan's crew could finish as high as sixth place. Currently the blue and gold are ranked eighth following a pair of hard-fought losses suffered last weekend at home against UFV. UBC will now turn their attention to their foes from the Island as they begin a home-and-home set with the Victoria Vikes starting Thursday at War Memorial Gym.
 
"We are focused on playing our best team basketball heading into playoffs," said the second-year head coach Erin McAleenan. "We want to build off the great efforts we have had recently, but need to put together four quarters. We need to maintain our strong defense, while limiting fouls and then do a better job taking care of the ball offensively."
 
One of the standout performances from Saturday night belonged to Sofia Bergman. The second-year forward from North Vancouver, B.C. a team-leading 15 points and played a season-high 25 minutes. Bergman is one of many younger Thunderbirds who have seen their game improve drastically over the course of the season so far, and Erin McAleenan was encouraged by her Saturday efforts in particular. "Sofia has been one of our most improved players this season and that's all due to her work ethic and drive to get better. She put in a lot of time in the off-season, and has continued that focus in-season between getting in the gym outside of practice and watching video. It is great to see her hard work paying off."


 
Defense remains the calling card of the 2022-23 UBC Thunderbirds. Heading into this weekend, the blue and gold sit second overall in Canada West with an average of only 58.4 points allowed per game - A modest .3 points back of the first placed UFV Cascades. UBC's commitment to defense has the head coach feeling positive about her team being 'playoff ready' once the time comes.
 
"We are competing day in and day out with the top teams in the league and playing some great team basketball," added McAleenan. "I think if we can maintain our focus for four quarters in our games this weekend that will really set us up for playoffs."
 
There'll be no shortage of focus or motivation heading into action this week as the Thunderbirds are set to battle their UVIC rivals for the first time this season. The Vikes have a mirror opposite record of 8-10, and need at least one win this weekend to solidify their own playoff berth. The playoff ramifications and heightened intensity will be a positive for the 'Birds according to the head coach.
 
"Everyone wants to be playing their best basketball heading into playoffs, so with a historic rivalry and playoffs on the line makes it even more exciting," concluded McAleenan. "This is what sports is all about and I can't wait to see us rise to the challenges."


 
The home-and-home battle with Victoria kicks off Thursday at 5:00 pm PT for UBC. The two teams will then meet again Saturday at 5:00 pm on the Island. Tickets for Thursday can be purchased HERE. You can also watch live on Canada West TV.