Oliver Rizun, Heat sports information
Kelowna, B.C. - A poor third quarter for the Heat women's basketball team proved costly as they would lose to the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack 82-72 on Sunday afternoon to fall to 0-4 on the season.
After what was arguably their best first-half performance on the season, the Heat would struggle to stop the visitors in the third frame as the 'Pack would win the quarter 25-12 after holding a slim one-point lead going into halftime (38-37). With the win the WolfPack improve to 4-0 on the season which has them tied atop the Canada West standings early on.
Free-throw line dominance:
- The free-throw line was once again the deciding factor in the game as the 'Pack would make 17 of 24 from the line (71%), while the Heat would make 6 of 11 (55%)
- The WolfPack got to the free-throw line 40 times in the two games and would turn these attempts into 31 points
First half:
The visitors started off hot from behind the arc as they made their first three shots that would result in a quick 9-4 lead for the WolfPack. The Heat would bounce back however, and would eventually take the lead 13-11 after a Kate Johnson left handed floater. Johnson would make an impact once again late in the quarter after a phenomenal bounce pass on the fast-break led to a Brianna Falk layup. At the end of a fast-paced first frame the home team would be leading 19-15 thanks to 47% shooting in the first frame. The visitors would fight back in the second quarter to take the slim lead going into halftime with the score 38-37. The free throw-line was once again the difference in the first half just like Fridays game as the 'Pack would make seven more free-throws in the half (9-2). Leilani Carney had eight points including two threes to lead all scorers.
Second half:
The visitors would start the second half strong as a quick eight point run forced a timeout from the Heat just a minute and a half into the second half with the score 45-37. This early third quarter run would set the WolfPack up for the rest of the game as they would continue their strong play to build a 63-49 lead going into the fourth quarter. The Heat would cut the deficit to just seven at 72-65 with three minutes to go but this would be as close as they would get eventually losing by a final score of 82-72
Balanced attack:
- Four different Heat players would reach double figures in the game including 12 point performances by second-year guard Emma Jonas, who hit four three's on five attempts, and rookie guard Kate Johnson, who also had four assists
- Emma Johnson would chip in with 11 points along with three rebounds and four steals. The other Heat player in double-digits was forward Jordan Korol who had 10 points and four rebounds
Inside the numbers:
- The visitors would hold a decisive advantage on the class as they collected 17 more boards then the Heat (45-27) including 12 offensive rebounds
- Both teams would shoot the ball well as TRU finished the game shooting nearly 48% from the field (28 of 59) while the hometown Heat would be just behind them shooting 43% (29 of 67)
Presidents' Cup:
- With the win the WolfPack clinch the Women's Presidents' Cup for the third consecutive year thanks to two wins in soccer were followed up by a weekend sweep of basketball.
- The Cup is handed out at the end of every season for the cumulative best school in head-to-head results, in each gender of Canada West competition. scoring matrix
- For full history on the Presidents Cup click here
Whats up next:
The Heat will be back on home-court again next weekend when they face the University of Alberta (3-1) with tip-off at 6 p.m. on Friday night and 5 p.m. Saturday night in the UBC Okanagan gymnasium. The WolfPack will be on the road once again next weekend as they travel to Saskatoon to face the Huskies (2-0)