Josh McAvoy, UNBC Athletics
PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. - The University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves shot the lights out on Friday, November 16th at the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre, beating the Trinity Western Spartans 101-58. The offensive explosion left seven Timberwolves players in double-digits for points, a school record.
The Timberwolves offence came out firing Friday night at the Charles Jago Northern Sports Centre, as they came out of the gates on a 13-1 run, as Jovan Leamy and Austin Chandler combined for three dunks and 18 points. The Timberwolves offensive explosion carried on throughout the quarter as the score at the end of the frame read 31-13 for the Timberwolves.
"Whenever you start a game like that, everyone gets going," said Chris Ross postgame. "That is when the crowd is most alive, and you can ride that wave."
Back-to-back threes from the Timberwolves Saje Gosal capped off an even second quarter, as he stole back the momentum from the rallying Spartans. A fine offensive half from the Timberwolves ended 47-23.
"They are comfortable, playing on their home floor," said Spartans assistant coach Matt Guynup. "They were ready to compete, and we needed to come in ready to establish the interior. They got the ball in the right guys' hands, and that set the tone."
The Timberwolves carried over their offensive dominance in to the second half. The lead allowed Timberwolves head coach, Todd Jordan, a chance to spread minutes to younger players such as Kaelen Mcneight, Chris Ross, and Colburn Pearce. The Spartans fought hard throughout the second half, but everything seemed to go right for the Timberwolves.
It was an incredible night for the Timberwolves, but a record breaking one for Vaggelis Loukas, as his 12 points and 11 rebounds left him as the Timberwolves all-time leader in rebounds, surpassing Dennis Stark.
"It's great to see. When Vaggelis got here, rebounding was something we worked on every night with him," said UNBC coach Todd Jordan. "It has been great to see the development. I think he has become one of the best rebounders in the conference. Good on him for passing Dennis, who is a really high-character guy. It was a cool memory."
It was also a special night for Timberwolves rookie, Chris Ross, as he came in off the bench for 12 points, including 4-7 from behind the three-point line.
"It was a great learning opportunity, and the confidence came from my team," said Ross. " I felt like I had the green light from everyone, and that was a great feeling. Just to let it go, and not be worried."
Their veteran, Vartan Tanielian, led the Spartans as he went for 21 points, three assists, and two rebounds.
The Timberwolves move to 4-1 on the season, and they will look for the sweep on their Canada West counterparts tomorrow night at the Charles Jago Northern Sports Centre.
"It's about being professional. The guys have to prepare tonight as though we lost tonight," said Jordan. "You don't need to be a professional to bring a professional mentality to the game. We need to try to execute the same things, and understand why we were successful."
"There is always something you can take from the game," said Guynup. "Our effort needs to be better. UNBC dictated the physicality, and we need to respond to that. It's a good reminder to come in, ready to play tough, and that should make a difference."