KELOWNA – The UBC Thunderbirds closed out their 2024 calendar year on a high note, earning a decisive 87-74 victory over the UBC Okanagan Heat in Kelowna. With the win, the T-Birds improved their stellar record to 8-1 to stay atop the Canada West conference standings as they head into winter break.
Olivia Weekes led the charge for UBC with a standout performance, posting 20 points and eight rebounds.
Sofia Bergman added 18 points and five rebounds, while
Mona Berlitz contributed 13 points and nine rebounds.
For the Heat, Lauren Foullong was the top scorer with 14 points, while Temi Aina impressed with 13 points and seven rebounds.
The Thunderbirds wasted no time, racing to an early 11-5 lead within the first three minutes of the first quarter. While the Heat briefly narrowed the gap with an Abby Smith layup and Lauren Foullong's free throw, UBC maintained control, ending the first quarter ahead 22-16.
The Heat showed resilience at the start of the second, scoring six unanswered points to pull within one at 23-22. However, the 'Birds responded with a Weekes fastbreak layup and two good free throws to bring UBC up 25-22. Bergman added two layups to keep the hot streak going. Fast breaks proved to be vital in staying ahead for the 'Birds, with Berlitz,
Sara Toneguzzi, Bergman, and
Cerys Merton adding points for a 49-36 lead heading into the half.
After the break, UBC built on their momentum, with a combined effort from Stella Lagrange and Bergman pushing the lead to 18. Though UBC Okanagan rallied with a six-play scoring run to cut the deficit to seven, the Thunderbirds held onto the lead, closing the third quarter at 68-54.
The fourth saw another challenge from the Heat for the lead, but the T-Birds answered back. Weekes and Bergman stepped up in the final five minutes to cement the win. As the final buzzer sounded, the 'Birds celebrated an 87-74 road victory to cap off a successful first half of the season.
After the winter break, UBC will return to action with a four-game homestand, starting against the TRU Wolfpack on January 10, followed by the UNBC Timberwolves on January 11. The homestand concludes with a doubleheader against Fraser Valley on January 17 and 18.
