Michael Sexton, UNBC

January 5th, 2018 - 

 The UNBC Timberwolves knew they had a size advantage, and exploited that, topping the UBCO Heat 87-48 Friday evening at the Charles Jago Northern Sports Centre.

Maria Mongomo and Vasiliki Louka combined for 46 points and 22 rebounds to lead the TWolves at the offensive and defensive end.

"We wanted to outrebound them, and win under the basket," said Louka. "We knew we had a size advantage, so we were successful with that focus today."

At the defensive end, Sergey Schepotkin's squad never let the foot off the gas, pressuring the Heat ballhandlers, and stealing the ball 17 times. They also out-rebounded the visitors 40-25 on the game.

"We need to box out. That will solve those extra chances," said Heat guard Vanessa Botteselle. "When Louka gets driving, she is tough to stop, so help side defense is a must."

The third quarter essentially sealed the deal for the home side, as they outscored UBCO 22-6. The Heat shot just 30.6% from the field, but Botteselle suggests that's a positive for tomorrow's rematch.

"I thought we pushed well, and we had some good looks but they weren't falling. We are still growing with seven new players, but we are learning how everyone plays, but there are positives to learn from."

When the final buzzer sounded, UNBC improved their record to 5-8 with the win while UBCO fell to 0-11. Louka says the effort was a good step for the Timberwolves.

"We started well, so we wanted to sustain that," she said postgame. "We have been struggling to keep leads, but we did better with that today."

The two teams clash tomorrow in the rematch at the Charles Jago Northern Sports Centre.

"They will come back stronger and will play better defensively. So, we need to do the same, and get another win."