In scheduled games between the UNBC and Brandon University basketball teams, the weather was the winner.
The Timberwolves and Bobcats women's and men's squads were supposed to clash today in Brandon but the UNBC bus broke down just outside of Regina. Because of the mechanical difficulties, the Canada West Athletic Association contests were postponed until Sunday.
The UNBC teams had been in Regina for Friday night games against the University of Regina Cougars. The plan was to start the 4 1/2 hour drive to Brandon on Saturday morning but, in minus 40C conditions, the Timberwolves and their coaches didn't get far.
"I think the driver's anti-freeze light went on so it was a hose, probably due to it being cold," said women's coach Loralyn Murdoch. "Better to be safe than chance it."
After a long wait, the teams were picked up by a replacement bus and taken back to their Regina hotel. Sunday's tip-offs have been set for noon (women) and 2 p.m. (men), Central time.
The UNBC teams now won't be back in Prince George until Monday and will then have to get ready for Thursday home games against the University of Winnipeg Wesmen. The short turnaround will pose its challenges.
"We'll do what we have to do," Murdoch said. "The kids don't know any different. We'll just make the best of it. That's how much time we'll have to prepare and we're going to do the best we can and put the best product we can on the floor."
The UNBC women will take a 3-8 record into Brandon and will face a Bobcats club that sits at 0-11. The male Timberwolves are 5-6 on the season, while the Bobcats are 2-9.
