MBB: UBC Okanagan take down Manitoba in opening round upset
March 3, 2022
LETHBRIDGE - In a matchup between the number #10 and #17 seeds in the opening round of the Canada West men's basketball playoffs, the University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat pulled off the tournaments biggest upset thus far defeating the University of Manitoba Bisons 83-73.
Coming into the tournament as the lowest seed following the ranking of all seventeen Canada West teams, the Heat would draw the tenth seeded Bisons in the opening round.
An inspired effort by UBCO in the first three quarters would see the underdogs lead 62-48. The Heat would hold a statistical advantage in every major category after thirty minutes, including a plus ten advantage on the glass.
Manitoba would struggle to gain the momentum in the early moments of the fourth quarter, with the Heat continuing their dominance over Manitoba on the glass. Extra possessions for UBCO would fuel their offense and continue to put the Bisons on their heels.
It was ultimately the Heat's relentless effort that would seal the game for UBCO, as they would finish the game outrebounding the Bisons by fourteen.
"I think that our seeding did not really show how talented we are as a team," noted Heat assistant coach Luke Penner when asked about the game.
"Having coached with the University of Manitoba Bisons for the first five years of my career, it was sweet to get my first win against them. I do not think our record is indicative of how talented we are as a team. We were able to show people tonight that we are not a joke as the seventeenth seed."
When asked about tomorrow night's game against the host Pronghorns, Penner stated, "I think it will be really fun. I expect a large crowd, lots of energy. It is excited to play the hometown team and I think it will be a good match."
The Heat were led by a 17-point, 11 rebound double-double performance from Kevin Hamlet. Gus Goerzen, Hafith Moallin, and Jalen Shirley would act as supporting cast with 17, 14, and 11 points apiece.
The Bisons were led by 18 points from James Wagner, with Keiran Zziwa, Wyatt Tait, and Mason Kraus adding 15, 15, and 11 points apiece.
Following the game, Bisons head coach Kirby Schepp remarked: "Congratulations to UBCO. I thought in parts of the game they outcompeted us, but my thoughts are just with my guys and the four seniors that are now graduating. I am proud to have coached these guys."
The seventeenth seeded Heat will advance to the second round of the knockout style tournament where they will face the host team, and number seventh seeded University of Lethbridge Pronghorns. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. MST. at the 1st Choice Savings Centre. Catch all the action on www.canadawest.tv, presented by Co-op.
Coming into the tournament as the lowest seed following the ranking of all seventeen Canada West teams, the Heat would draw the tenth seeded Bisons in the opening round.
An inspired effort by UBCO in the first three quarters would see the underdogs lead 62-48. The Heat would hold a statistical advantage in every major category after thirty minutes, including a plus ten advantage on the glass.
Manitoba would struggle to gain the momentum in the early moments of the fourth quarter, with the Heat continuing their dominance over Manitoba on the glass. Extra possessions for UBCO would fuel their offense and continue to put the Bisons on their heels.
It was ultimately the Heat's relentless effort that would seal the game for UBCO, as they would finish the game outrebounding the Bisons by fourteen.
"I think that our seeding did not really show how talented we are as a team," noted Heat assistant coach Luke Penner when asked about the game.
"Having coached with the University of Manitoba Bisons for the first five years of my career, it was sweet to get my first win against them. I do not think our record is indicative of how talented we are as a team. We were able to show people tonight that we are not a joke as the seventeenth seed."
When asked about tomorrow night's game against the host Pronghorns, Penner stated, "I think it will be really fun. I expect a large crowd, lots of energy. It is excited to play the hometown team and I think it will be a good match."
The Heat were led by a 17-point, 11 rebound double-double performance from Kevin Hamlet. Gus Goerzen, Hafith Moallin, and Jalen Shirley would act as supporting cast with 17, 14, and 11 points apiece.
The Bisons were led by 18 points from James Wagner, with Keiran Zziwa, Wyatt Tait, and Mason Kraus adding 15, 15, and 11 points apiece.
Following the game, Bisons head coach Kirby Schepp remarked: "Congratulations to UBCO. I thought in parts of the game they outcompeted us, but my thoughts are just with my guys and the four seniors that are now graduating. I am proud to have coached these guys."
The seventeenth seeded Heat will advance to the second round of the knockout style tournament where they will face the host team, and number seventh seeded University of Lethbridge Pronghorns. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. MST. at the 1st Choice Savings Centre. Catch all the action on www.canadawest.tv, presented by Co-op.