After a cold night from beyond the arc, it was timely three-pointers in the fourth quarter that propelled the Thomson Rivers UniversityWolfPack to an exciting 68-66 U Sports Canada West victory over the UNBC Timberwolves Friday night in Kamloops.
In the first half, both teams struggled to establish much in the way of a lead. The T-wolves applied pressure to the ball-handlers, creating a number of turnovers and points in transition, but every time the visitors stretched their lead, the Pack did well to cut into it with timely buckets.
Maria Mongomo used her physicality to capitalize at the offensive end, pouring in 18 points and eight rebounds for UNBC. The WolfPack, who were attacking a UNBC zone defence, were cold from long range, shooting 2-for-15 from long range. After 20 minutes UNBC held a narrow 36-22 lead.
“They are good in transition, and getting in the passing lanes,” said TRU’s Emma Piggin. “They do a really good job of that. Mongomo is all over the place and so is Landry.”
In the third quarter, any significant momentum continued to be elusive for both squads. TRU’s Leilani Carney began to make an impact by penetrating into the UNBC defense, leading to baskets for herself and post Brooklyn Golt. At the other end, UNBC attacked the offensive glass, leading to second-chance opportunities and buckets for Emma vanBruinessen, Alina Shakirova, and Mongomo. UNBC held a 55-50 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
“They were aggressive, and a bit more of a unit,” said UNBC guard Emily Holmes. “They all bought in, and I think we struggled to be a team out there. We became a little bit individual, and that is something we need to work on.”
In the final frame, the T-wolves went cold. UNBC was unable to convert in the paint or on the perimeter, scoring just 11 points in the quarter. At the other end, the WolfPack got timely scoring when they needed it most. Piggin made a three-pointer, as did her veteran teammates Carney and Megan Rouault. With the game knotted at 66, Carney was fouled with 6.6 seconds left and made good on both her free-throws. A last-second attempt from Madison Landry fell short, as TRU escaped with a hard-fought win.
“I think I was 1-for-9 from three, and it takes a toll on your mind,” said Piggin postgame. “They end up falling, and it comes down to practice. The entire team is involved. Having that support system is really awesome.”
The WolfPack were paced by Carney’s 20 point performance, while Piggin added 19 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. Mongomo was the game’s high scorer with 29 points to go along with 16 rebounds and five steals. Emma vanBruinessen added 11 points and 15 boards.
“It seemed like if we weren’t getting stops, they were making it to the line, and I think it just came down to effort,” said Holmes. “They made that final push at the end, and we didn’t match that. It came down to a bit of discipline and a bit of effort.”
The WolfPack improved to 5-2, while UNBC’s record dropped to 2-5. They’ll meet gain today in Kamloops.
