It’s pretty safe to say neither of the UNBC Timberwolves basketball teams suffered from any turkey legs.
Both varsity teams pushed the pace on Friday at the Northern Sports Centre taking the opening games of a weekend doubleheader against the UBC-Okanagan Heat.
In women’s action, the T-Wolves were paced offensively by Maria Mongomo once again putting up a team-high 27 points in 31 minutes of action as UNBC crushed the Heat by a 87-48 score.
The Timberwolves held a commanding 63-31 lead at the end of the third quarter against the youthful Heat who only have three fourth of fifth-year players on their roster.
Having the advantage at both ends of the court was crucial according to Vasiliki Louka, who recorded 19 points and 11 rebounds.
“We wanted to outrebound them, and win under the basket. We knew we had a size advantage, so we were successful with that focus today.”
The defensive side of the game was the most aggressive all season, stealing the ball 17 times.
In the third quarter, UNBC outscored UBC-O by a whopping 22-6 margin and also led by as many as 45.
The Timberwolves improve to 5-8 on the season, while the Heat drop to 0-11.
Both teams play again tomorrow at 5PM.
The men’s game was much of the same as the Timberwolves shot the lights out from three-point range cruising to an 85-59 victory.
UNBC recorded a 13 for 28 performance from beyond the arch and also shot 55% on field goals, outperforming UBC-O who only converted on 35% of its field goals.
Five Timberwolves players cracked the double-digit mark including Jovan Leamy who potted 20 points playing alongside longtime friend and teammate James Agyeman.
Agyeman says their transition game was key.
“That’s my guy. We have played together since fourth grade and I’ve seen him grow, and it’s natural for us. I know when and where he wants the ball.”
The Timberwolves sewed up the victory in the third quarter outpacing UBC-O by a 28-18 advantage who executed the game-plan put out by Head Coach Todd Jordan.
“We knew if we attacked their zone at the right time, we could get open shots. We found the gap, created proper opportunity, and made shots.”
The victory improves UNBC’s record to 5-8 on the season.
Both teams faceoff in the rematch Saturday at 7PM.
