The UBC Thunderbirds showed some of the reasons why they are ranked No. 2 in the country.
In a Canada West men's basketball game played Friday night at the Northern Sport Centre, the Thunderbirds overpowered the UNBC Timberwolves in the first quarter and eventually recorded a 93-69 victory.
In the opening 10 minutes, the T-birds blitzed their hosts with a balanced offensive attack and built a 34-14 cushion. The Timberwolves did push back as the game continued but never seriously threatened UBC's lead. At half-time, the Thunderbirds had a 56-28 advantage and they were up 72-49 after three quarters.
Six UBC players scored in double digits, with Brylle Kamen's 21 points leading the way. Rookie forward Gagan Sahota was the most effective UNBC shooter. He ended the night with 16 points.
The T-birds, behind only the Carleton Ravens in the national rankings, elevated their record to 17-2. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, dropped to 5-14 and have now lost nine in a row.
The teams will square off again on Saturday. Game-time at the NSC is 8 p.m.
Earlier Friday night, the UBC women staged a fourth-quarter comeback and edged the UNBC women 63-60. The T-birds, ranked No. 6 in the nation, pulled out the narrow victory when they took advantage of some sloppy UNBC play as the clock was ticking down.
Leigh Stansfield led the Thunderbirds with 14 points, while Alyssa Binns and Kris Young both finished with 12. Kady Dandeneau paced the Timberwolves with 14 points. Emily Kaehn added 12 and Mercedes Van Koughnett had 10.
The Thunderbirds moved to 15-4 on the season and the Timberwolves -- a first-year team in Canada West -- dropped to 6-13. The loss was their fifth-straight.
The T-wolves and T-birds will be back on the NSC court on Saturday. The opening tip-off is set for 6 p.m.
