By Larry Read

TRU Sports Information Officer

KAMLOOPS, BC---No playoffs for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women's basketball team. The Pack needed a victory on the final night of the Canada West regular season and get some help to secure the 12^th and final post season berth. It was not to be.  The visiting Brandon University Bobcats dumped Thompson Rivers 81-73.

The game was played on the Warner Rentals court at the Tournament Capital Centre on Saturday (Feb 3). 

The game marked the end of the university basketball career of six players in the contest including Shenise Sigsworth (forward, Kamloops, BC): the lone fifth year player on the WolfPack.

 SYNOPSIS

The Bobcats were just playing for pride, while TRU was needing a win and help to secure that final playoff berth. Brandon came out strong and led 13-9 early on and enjoyed a 24-19 lead after the first quarter thanks to six points from fifth year players Keisha Cox (guard, Oceanside, CA) and Kinsley Ransom (forward, Boissevain, MB).   Michelle Bos (4^th year, guard, Surrey, BC) and Emily Vilac (4^th year, forward, Kamloops, BC) each had eight points for the WolfPack in that first period.

The second quarter saw the Bobcats force TRU into foul trouble with just under five minutes to play, going into a bonus situation.  That advantage pulled Brandon ahead by 10 (39-29) with three and a half minutes left and they held a 50-34 lead going into the break.   The Bobcats controlling the boards with 20 rebounds alone in the second quarter.  The Pack were solid on the boards as well with 11 in that period. Cox and another Brandon fifth year, Mikaela Stanton (guard, Oceanside, CA) leading them with 10 points apiece at the half.  Bos with 10 for the WolfPack after two quarters.

The third quarter opened up with scrambly play at both sides of the court. Brandon maintained a 14 point lead at one point, TRU narrowed it to eight before the period ends down 65-57.  Bos, Vilac, Megan Rouault (1^st year, forward, Vernon, BC) and Jordon Haggerty (1^st year, guard, Saskatoon, SK) each with four points for the WolfPack in that period. Lauren Anderson (4^th year, forward, Winnipeg, MB) pacing the Bobcats with nine points and four rebounds-four on defense-in that period.

The WolfPack struggled from the floor (shooting 25.5 per cent) going into the final quarter.  TRU did come up with a gusty effort in the  final two minutes. Bos nailed a basket and the Pack followed up with a steal to cut the deficit to five.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS:

(click here)

KEY STATS:

Thompson Rivers :

Michelle Bos: 19 points, 11 rebounds (9 defense), 5 assists,3 steals: 36 mins

Shenise Sigsworth: 11 points, 13 rebounds (7 offense)1 assist, 1 steal: 27 mins

Emily VIlac: 11 points: 19 mins

Jordon Haggerty: 11 points, 2 defensive rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal: 36 mins

Megan Rouault: 7 points, 3 steals, 1 block: 12 mins

BRANDON:

Lauren Anderson: 17 points, 6 rebounds (5 def), 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block: 23 mins

Mikaela Stanton: 14 points, 4 assists, 1 steal: 32 mins

Keisha Cox: 13 points, 14 rebounds (7 each side), 2 assists, 3 steals: 30 mins

Keegan Robinson: 10 points, 5 rebounds (4 def), 3 assists, 3 steals: 23 mins

Turnovers:

TRU:      17             BRANDON:  20

Score by Periods:

TRU                19   15   23   16  --73

BRANDON:    24   26   15   16  --81

RECORD:

TRU:      8-12                    BRANDON: 3-17

QUOTES:

TRU Assistant Coach Chuck Ferguson::

On the Contest: " It is tough. It is a disappointing way to end the season. We began this year looking very much like a playoff team. Today it is a bitter pill to swallow that we aren't going to be going. Brandon came here to work tonight. We didn't match their intensity. Kudos to them. Tough for us."

On what Shenise Sigsworth has meant to the program:  " She has been tremendous. These girls come in and give us five years of hard work. It is hard work. It is not an easy lifestyle. I have nothing but respect for her as a person, as a player. She has made huge contributions on helping us move forward as a program. Those things she will value down the road. Right now, those things don't look as great as going to the playoffs. Her effect on the program is immeasurable."

Video of post game interview:   click here

Brandon  head coach Novell Thomas (6^th season):

On winning the last game of the season: It does feel good. I am happy for our seniors. We have had a bitter taste in our mouths for most of the season. It is nice to end the season with a win."

On the play of the fifth years: " I just wanted to give them an extra chance to get it done in their last game. I didn't get in as many bodies as I wanted to. But that is the way it goes sometimes."

Video of post game interview:   click here

UP NEXT:

Both teams failed to make the playoffs. For Thompson Rivers, it was the second straight year they didn't make it to the post season.  A bit disappointing since they had a 7-5 record after the first half of the regular season. They needed Fraser Valley to lose to Manitoba in their final game on Saturday in order to have a chance for a post season berth. UFV beat Manitoba 80-56.

OF NOTE:

 The "TRU Bookstore/McDonalds  Leader of the Pack" Player of the game was Sigsworth, playing her final University career game.  Sigsworth will graduate this spring from the Bachelor of Nursing program.  She was honored by the team at the conclusion of this game.  It was also the final regular season game for five members of the Bobcats:  Stephanie Hunter (forward, Brandon, MB), Amy Williams (forward, Moose Jaw, SK), Stanton, Ransom and Cox.