KELOWNA – The UBC Thunderbirds wrapped up their 2024 campaign with a commanding 93-50 win over the UBC Okanagan Heat in Kelowna on Friday night. UBC showed their strength on both ends of the floor, overpowering the Heat in their final game of the calendar year to secure a dominant victory.
 
With the win, the 'Birds improve to 6-3 in the Canada West standings, while the Head drop to 3-6 on the season.
 
Victor Radocaj led the way for the Thunderbirds with 16 points and six rebounds. Tobi Akinkunmi also had an impressive performance, contributing 14 points and seven rebounds. Adam Olsen added 12 points, while Fareed Shittu rounded out the double-digit scorers for UBC with 11 points.
 
On the Heat side, Jalen Shirley was the standout performer, finishing with 12 points. Leon Schenker also contributed 11 points and four rebounds.


 
Coming off their biggest win of the year last weekend against Calgary, the Thunderbirds wasted little time in getting ahead of the hosts. After matching scores early in the first quarter, the 'Birds pulled ahead to a 14-point lead at 27-13 going into the second.
 
The second frame saw the Thunderbirds really get ahead, reaching a 25-point lead on a Shittu dunk. UBC-O's Imoudu Ibrahim grabbed two big defensive rebounds and capitalized on three points off free throws, but it wasn't nearly enough to close the gap. The second quarter ended with UBC leading 50-26.


 
UBC continued to dominate in the second half, outscoring the Heat 25-16 in the third quarter and 18-8 in the fourth. With a well-rounded effort from multiple players, the Thunderbirds rolled to a statement 93-50 victory.
 
Looking ahead, UBC will return to action after the winter break with a crucial four-game homestand. They'll begin the stretch against the TRU Wolfpack on January 10, followed by the UNBC Timberwolves on January 11. The homestand wraps up with a weekend series against the Fraser Valley Cascades on January 17 and 18, as the Thunderbirds aim to continue their strong form into the new year.