Cameron Doherty, Vikes Communications

VICTORIA – It was all UBC Thunderbirds all the time as the visitors were able to storm into the CARSA Performance Gym and pick up the 95-69 victory over the host UVic Vikes on Feb. 1.

The T-Birds jumped out to the lead early and never looked back, hitting six three-pointers and shooting 52 per cent from the floor in the opening frame to hold a 33-15 advantage after one quarter of play.

"Some things came pretty easy for us to start the game, we hit a bunch of threes and hitting those early set the tone for the game while also taking some of the wind out of UVic's sails early," said Thunderbirds head coach Kevin Hanson. "Getting up that quickly took the crowd out of the game and I thought our guys played really well."

The visitors held the advantage in every important statistical category on the night. They committed eight fewer turnovers, grabbed 16 more rebounds and shot 13 per cent better from the floor than the Vikes.

Connor Morgan and Phil Jalalpoor split the scoring lead for the Thunderbirds, with 23 points apiece. Morgan went 10-of-19 from the floor in the game while Jalalpoor was on fire early, scoring 16 points in the first quarter. Mason Bourcier, Taylor Brownie and Grant Shephard all also put up double-digits on the night.

Mason Loewen was the lone Vike who scored in double-digits, scoring 14 points and adding four assists. Jake Newman, Justin Kinnear and Scott Kellum all added eight points in the loss.

SCORING SUMMARY
UVIC: 15-20-14-20: 75
UBC: 33-24-21-23: 89
 
SCORING LEADERS
VIC: Mason Loewen (14), Jake Newman (8), Justin Kinnear (8)
UBC: Connor Morgan (23), Phil Jalalpoor (23), Mason Bourcier (12)