In their first-ever playoff game in the Canada West Universities Athletic Association, the UNBC Timberwolves put a scare into a traditional powerhouse.
But, Thursday night in Vancouver, the Timberwolves still fell to the UBC Thunderbirds. In the opener of a best-of-three men's basketball series, the Thunderbirds held off the T-wolves 83-77.
During the game, UNBC was ahead by as many as four points and held its last lead - 30-29 - at the 7:11 mark of the second quarter. At the half, UBC led 45-38.
Ultimately, UBC had more success generating points in the paint. The T-birds outscored the visitors 46-36 from that area of the court. Another difference in the game was points from the free-throw line. UBC earned 19 chances from the stripe and hit for 13 points. UNBC, on the other hand, got to the line just nine times and generated only five points.
UBC's Tommy Nixon, the regular-season scoring leader in Canada West, knocked down a game-high 23 points and also had 10 rebounds. For UNBC, Rhys Elliot led the way offensively with 21 points. Franco Kouagnia, a second-team all-star in Canada West this season, hauled down 10 rebounds.
Game 2 of the series is set for tonight on the UBC campus. If a third game is required, it will be played on Saturday.
