KELOWNA, B.C. — The No.6-ranked team in U SPORTS has picked up its sixth straight win, as the UBC Thunderbirds (7-2) took down the UBCO Heat (3-8) by a score of 79-64 on Friday night at The Furnace.

T-Birds first-year Edouard Gauthier was the top scorer in the game with 20 points, knocking down 8 of 12 shots from the field. Nylan Roberts added 18 points, connecting on 7 of 12 field goal attempts, and secured 10 rebounds for the double-double.

The Heat were wearing their throwback Lakers jerseys, honouring the team's days as Okanagan University College.



UBC jumped out to a nine-point lead seven minutes in to the game, buoyed by perfect free throw shooting in the frame and capitalizing on turnovers. UBCO responded with a robust defensive effort, recording six steals and three blocks, which helped narrow the gap. The T-Birds lead shrunk to 21-18 by the end of the first quarter.

In the second, the Thunderbirds built their lead back up to 10 by the midway mark, powered by effective scoring in the paint and a strong defensive presence. UBC capitalized on UBCO's eight turnovers, turning them into transition chances, and outscored the home side 16-12 in the frame. As the half-time buzzer sounded, the Thunderbirds led 37-30.

UBC outscored UBCO 18-17 in the third, boosted by a strong bench contribution of 12 points. UBCO's efforts were bolstered by key offensive rebounds, creating second-chance opportunities and contributing to the Heat's 14 total rebounds. Despite both teams committing four turnovers, UBCO's three 3-pointers kept the quarter competitive. As the quarter came to a close, UBC led 55-47.



In the final frame, the Thunderbirds surged ahead with a 24-17 scoring advantage, capitalizing on a 9-for-17 shooting performance and a 10-7 rebounding edge. The Heat struggled with turnovers, committing four, which UBC converted into key points. Despite UBCO's effort in the paint, scoring eight points, UBC's balanced attack, including 14 points in the paint and two 3-pointers, kept the 'Birds comfortably ahead. At the final buzzer, the score stood at 79-64 for UBC.

Next up, the teams will rematch on Saturday, Nov. 29. Tip-off is set for 4:30 p.m. (PT) back at the UBCO Gymnasium. Catch the action live on CBC Gem, CBCSports.ca or on Canada West TV.