The University of Northern British Columbia needed overtime, plus a record-setting performance from Madison Landry, but did enough to edge the TRU WolfPack 87-77 in Kamloops on Saturday, November 23rd.
The Timberwolves came out in the first very much looking like a team aiming to avoid a weekend sweep. They got out to an 11-3 lead, and held a 23-15 advantage at the end of the quarter. Maria Mongomo went a perfect five-for-five from the field, to pace the TWolves with 11 points.
In the second stanza, Goran Nogic's team seemed to respond to his messaging, as the WolfPack dug in defensively. They stymied much of the UNBC attack, while 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 UNBC's Madison Landry. "Everybody gives 100 percent the effort the whole game, so that is hard to stop."
The third quarter looked much like the third frame from Friday's matchup between the two programs, 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 Madison 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 TWolves 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 give the Timberwolves an 87-77 win over a very resilient Pack squad.
"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."
In the win, Landry tied a Timberwolves program record with 36 points, adding five rebounds and two assists. 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 (6 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 Emily Ferguson and Leilani Carney each scored in double figures.
"We have some games that we could have won," said Golt postgame. "Overall, we have played our game and we are working hard. It started back in September, in training came with Goran. We are here to make a change from last year."
