UNBC Athletics

PRINCE GEORGE - In a game with major playoff implications, the University of Fraser Valley were able to dig deep and pull out a 77-70 victory over the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves, Friday night at the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre.

The first half was a physical battle, with the officials calling it tightly in the paint. Vasiliki Louka was the difference through twenty minutes, with 13 points, but the Timberwolves held just a 35-33 lead after twenty minutes.

The Cascades came out firing in the third quarter, running the Timberwolves up and down the floor. Fifth-year post Shayna Litman was tremendous, knocking down a number of tough jumper and layups. UFV outscored the Timberwolves 27-18 in the quarter, and held a 60-53 advantage going into the fourth.

"We had so much energy, and it was such a team game," said Litman. "We talked about staying together as a team. We stayed calm when we needed to, and made the important shots when we had to."

UFV didn't relent in the fourth quarter, stretching their lead to 14 points with seven minutes remaining. The TWolves did make a late push to get the deficit down to three points, but that was as close as they'd come.

"They were hungrier," said Kylie Pozniak after the game. "We didn't match their effort, and their final score reflected that."

With the defeat, The Timberwolves move to 8-11. While the Cascades improve their record to 7-10 with the win.

"We are fighting for that spot," said Pozniak. "Tomorrow is really important to secure that playoff position."

Litman finished with 25 points and 15 rebounds for the Cascades, while Taylor Claggett, Sara Simovic, Amanda Thompson, and Victoria Jacobse all finished in double figures.

"I'm pretty undersized against Louka, but I worked hard and did what I could," she said postgame. "Tonight we need to watch some game film, come back, and try to do it again."

Vasiliki Louka paced the TWolves with 21 points and 14 boards, while Maria Mongomo added 16 points and Madison Landry chipped in with 15.

These two will square off tomorrow night in an enormous game for both squad's postseason aspirations.

"We need to leave it all on the floor," said Pozniak. "I know it is a cliché. But we need play as hard as we can."