They made a game of it, but Alina Shakirova and the UNBC Timberwolves were too much for the young Thompson Rivers University WolfPack to handle in a 68-51 win Friday at the Northern Sport Centre.
Powered by Shakirova’s 11 points and an enthusiastic crowd gathered for their first home game of the U Sports Canada West season, the T-wolves led 20-13 after 10 minutes.
In the second frame, the sledding got tough for both teams as the physicality picked up and shooting cooled off. TRU did well to create chaos at the defensive end, and the Timberwolves did themselves no favours, missing a number of open looks. The WolfPack showed their tenacity on offense, as well, clawing back into the game against a tired UNBC defense
Leading 27-22, the Timberwolves came out hungry in the third quarter, with Shakirova regaining her shooting form in the early going, The Russian forward converted a hoop-and-harm situation, followed by a corner three to stretch the UNBC advantage to 37-29.
However, it was again the young visitors who battled back. Kelsey Cruz, Jessica Orr, and Elana Sireni each made three-pointers for TRU, as UNBC saw their lead dwindle to two points late in the quarter. The Timberwolves led 42-37 with 10 minutes to go.
“They were pretty aggressive with their press and we were struggling a bit,” said Garmendia Garcia. “They had some really good plays on offense. We had to watch out for their bigs and their slashing guards.”
In the fourth quarter, the Timberwolves pulled away. Sveta Boykova extended a number of possessions, as Shakirova, Landry, Sarah Kuklisin, and Laura Garmendia Garcia scored big buckets to send the home crowd home happy.
Shakirova finished with a game-high 22 points, to go along with 10 rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Landry collected 13 points and six rebounds, Garmendia Garcia had 10 points and Boykova grabbed 15 rebounds.
“Sveta had great rebounding, so many players got on the scoreboard, and we were all so committed,” said Garmendia Garcia. “This was our first home game, after practicing for two years. Everyone wanted to bring something to this game.”
Daniela Kovacevic led TRU with 14 points and had four rebounds and four steals. Anneke Cairnie and Amanda Orr each chipped in 11 points.
UNBC improved to 2-1, while TRU remained winless at 0-3.
The two teams meet again Saturday at 4 p.m. at the Northern Sport Centre.
“We have to keep working as hard as we did today. We had moments where it wasn’t working out, but we managed to make it work,” said UNBC’s Garmendia Garcia. “We have to have that mentality. That’s why we are a team. Keep pushing everyone to be their best and hopefully it’ll be as good as today’s ending.
