T-Wolves scratch and claw but fall short in Canada West play-in games

This year’s playoff appearance by the UNBC Timberwolves might have been short and sweet but it didn’t lack effort.

In a must-win game against a nationally-ranked opponent, the T-Wolves women’s basketball team scratched and clawed but came up short falling 77-70 to the Fraser Valley Cascades on Friday in Edmonton.

Fifth-year senior Alina Shakirova had a team-high 17 points while Laura Garmendia-Garcia and Sarah Kuklisin each had 12 in a losing cause.

The T-Wolves had a 16-15 edge after the first quarter but found themselves down 38-31 by halftime.

LGG!!

Anyone’s game!! pic.twitter.com/Av2yXo7tXJ

— UNBC Athletics (@UNBCATHLETICS) February 17, 2023

UNBC carried a 53-51 lead into the fourth quarter but missed their opening six shots, allowing the Cascades to pull away.

Maddy Gobeil was dominant for Fraser Valley with 26 points while Nikki Cabuco and Deanna Tuchscherer also had 17 apiece.

The loss marked the last game in a T-Wolves jersey for Shakirova, Olivia Wilson and Jenna Korolek.

Shak is BATTLING pic.twitter.com/POGGfIA1Hy

— UNBC Athletics (@UNBCATHLETICS) February 17, 2023

Fraser Valley takes on the Alberta Pandas today (Saturday) at 11am Pacific Time from Edmonton.

In men’s action, a sharpshooting Regina Cougars squad foiled a gutsy performance by the Timberwolves, scoring an 88-74 victory in Victoria.

The Cougars used the three-ball to their advantage, going 13-for-36 from beyond the arch. This included a 6-for-10 outing by Carter Millar who had 22 points.

UNBC found themselves down 45-30 at halftime. The Timberwolves, who had just seven players dressed, received a massive performance from Fareed Shittu who had 21 points and 17 rebounds, playing all 40 minutes.

EDMONTON ELEVATOR THINGS pic.twitter.com/g2hAkQ6zzr

— UNBC Athletics (@UNBCATHLETICS) February 18, 2023

Freshman Evgeni Baukin also played in a ton in defeat tallying 12 points in 33 minutes of action.

GENOOOOO

The first-year, Baukin with the steal and slam pic.twitter.com/Tx1VTnzGPI

— UNBC Athletics (@UNBCATHLETICS) February 18, 2023

The Timberwolves were without captain Chris Ross who didn’t make the trip to Victoria. Regina now advances to the quarterfinals where they take on the host Vikes today at 7pm.