The UNBC needed overtime, plus a record-setting performance from Madison Landry, but did enough to edge the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack 87-77 Saturday in Kamloops.
The Timberwolves came out looking like a team aiming to avoid a weekend sweep a burst out to an 11-3 lead, increasing the advantage to 23-15 at the end of the quarter. Maria Mongomo went a perfect 5-for-5 from the field, to pace the T-wolves with 11 points.
In the second quarter, coach Goran Nogic’s team seemed to respond to his messaging, as the WolfPack dug in defensively. They stymied much of the UNBC attack, making timely baskets at the other end. The TRU contributions came from a variety of players, as Emily Ferguson, Leilani Carney, and Emma Piggin all chipped in with seven points. The Timberwolves managed just 14 in the quarter, as TRU cut the deficit to 37-35 at the half.
“TRU is a really unified team. They work really well together,” said Landry, who tied a T-wolves record with 36 points, adding five rebounds and two assists. “Everybody gives 100 percent the effort the whole game, so that is hard to stop.”
The third quarter looked much like the third frame of Friday’s matchup, with the teams taking turns having spurts of momentum. Both teams were in the bonus with three minutes left, leading to a slower pace of play and a battle of free-throws. UNBC’s offensive contributions came mostly from the duo of Mongomo and Landry who combined for 46 points to that point. After 30 minutes, the TWolves held a 57-52 lead.
The WolfPack, in classic TRU fashion would not go away in the fourth. Down three with less than a minute remaining, Piggin stepped up and nailed a trey to knot the game and send it to overtime.
“Emma plays such a big leadership role,” said TRU’s Brooklyn Golt. “She is a captain, along with Leilani Carney, Megan Rouault, and Jordon Haggerty. They played like our leaders.”
In the extra frame, the T-wolves showed why they’ve made three consecutive Canada West playoffs. Landry and Mongomo continued to roll, Emma vanBruinessen hit the glass, and Alina Shakirova made a dagger three from the corner to seal it.
“We came out with so much energy, and we scored and scored. It wasn’t just one person contributing,” said Landry. “Everyone wanted to win so badly, and it was great we could pull out a win, especially after last night.”
Mongomo had another big evening, scoring 31 points, grabbing eight rebounds, four steals, and three assists. Alina Shakirova had a double double, with 11 points and 13 rebounds.
“I think my performance yesterday (six points) actually contributed to today,” said Landry. “It was almost sickening thinking about it. I had all day to think about it and prepare. I wanted a different outcome.”
TRU was paced by Piggin who had 21 points, ten boards, and six steals. She was helped by Jordon Haggerty, who had 15 points and six rebounds, while Ferguson and Carney each scored in double figures.
“We have some games that we could have won,” said Golt. “Overall, we have played our game and we are working hard. It started back in September, in training camp with Goran. We are here to make a change from last year.”
The T-wolves (3-5) currently rank 10th in the 17-team Canada West Conference (top-12 make playoffs. TRU (5-3) is seventh in the conference and will host the Saskatchewan Huskies this weekend. UNBC has a bye this weekend and won’t play again until Jan. 3, the start of a two-game weekend set with the Dinos.
