SASKATOON, Sask. - Nylan Roberts and the UBC Thunderbirds (5-2) staved off the Saskatchewan Huskies' (1-6) comeback attempt, defeating the hometown Huskies by a score of 86-82 on Friday evening at the Physical Activity Complex.

Roberts, a second year forward from Abbotsford, B.C., put together the best scoring performance of his U SPORTS career, piling up 22 points while shooting 61% from the field.

On the other end was Saskatchewan's Dylan Miller (16 points), who scored six points in a 17 second span during the final minute of the fourth quarter. However, his offensive burst came too late for the Huskies, as the Dogs could not complete the comeback, after being down 15 with 3:22 remaining in the final frame.

Despite the difference in the team's records entering the game, the Huskie faithful were treated to an exciting affair, with just three points separating the Canada West opponents through three quarters. Second year transfer Mohamed Mahadhi continued to impress as a Huskie, leading the team in scoring for the first time this season with 22. Easton Thimm notched another double-double for Saskatchewan, chipping in 19 points and 10 rebounds.



In addition to Roberts' excellent showing, Nikola Guzina was a difference maker for the Thunderbirds on both ends of the court. Guzina scored six of his 17 points in the final six minutes of the fourth quarter. A presence in the middle, the big man also secured six defensive boards and came up with two steals. 

UBC opened the fourth quarter on a 6-0 run before Saskatchewan's Emmanuel Bonsu responded with a layup on the other end to make it 68-61 Thunderbirds. The relief was short lived as the Thunderbirds responded with a 14-5 run, stretching the lead to 82-66 with 3:22 remaining in the fourth quarter. During this run UBC would shoot 4-4 from the field and 5-6 from the free throw line. 

Just as all hope seemed lost for the Huskies, they rallied back as they often do. The Huskies capitalized on some late poor free throw shooting from UBC, and converted those misses into fast break layups on the other end. After a pair of free throws from Mahadhi cut the lead to seven, Emmanuel Bonsu came up with a clutch steal, dishing it to Miller underneath the basket for the layup, cutting the lead to five with 37 seconds remaining. 



Saskatchewan would continue to go to the foul game in the closing moments, however T-Birds first-year Zebu Abera showed a veteran's poise in sealing the deal, going 3-3 from the stripe in the waning seconds of the game. The Thunderbirds would hang on to win 86-82.

The teams will play a rematch on Saturday, with tip-off set for 5:00 p.m. (PT). Watch all of the action, live or on demand, on Canada West TV, powered by BioSteel.