Stu Walters / UBC Thunderbirds
VANCOUVER – Keylyn Filewich was dominant down low in picking up 22 points and 11 rebounds while the UBC Thunderbirds where also effective shooting the ball from outside in getting past the Lethbridge Pronghorns 77-73 in single-game play-in action on Friday night. With the victory, the Thunderbirds advance to Canada West quarter final play with their next opponent still yet to be determined.
Filewich, a second-year forward finished the game in similar fashion to the way she started it with eight of her team-high 22 points and four of her team-high 11 rebounds in the final frame to help secure the win. Meanwhile, third-year guard Jessica Hanson, who was second in 'Birds scoring, chipped in with five of her 17 points. For the visitors, it was Zoe Dahl, playing in what turned out to be her final game as a Pronghorn, who pitched in with seven of her game-high 25 points to close the game out.
Dahl would set the tone early for the Pronghorns - who were playing in their first playoff game in eight years - in leading all first quarter scorers with 11 points while teammate Kathryn Hankins helped the cause with six points. Standing out for the T-Birds was Hanson and Filewich with eight points each. Filewich doing her damage from in the paint while Hanson was feeling it from outside hitting on both of her three-point attempts. Hanson also stepped up at the defensive end with two of her team high five steals, yet the hosts still trailed 22-20 after the first quarter.
The Thunderbirds outscored the Pronghorns 25-18 in the second quarter on the strength of shooting an impressive 50 per cent from beyond the arc, making five of their 10 three-point attempts. Second-year guard Gabrielle Laguerta led the way draining three consecutive shots from three-point land while rookie guard Dayna Pearce got in on the fun by hitting two of her three attempts from long distance. For the visitors, it was once again Dahl and Hankins carrying the load with five and four points respectively.
The 'Birds carried their momentum into the third quarter outscoring the Pronghorns 19-12 thanks in large part to Filewich and third-year guard Madison Penn scoring six points each. Filewich who didn't see any game action in the second quarter after picking up two fouls in the first frame didn't show any rust while also adding three rebounds for the home team that secured a 64-52 advantage heading into the fourth quarter. The highlight for the visitors saw Amy Mazutinec and Sandria Bolden convert on their three-point attempts.
Filewich was pleased with the team's performance.
"I'm super proud of the team win this week, we just wanted to showcase the steps we've taken in the second half of the season," said Filewich. "I think this is a good start, laying more groundwork and we're thrilled to be advancing."
Thunderbirds head coach Deb Huband enjoyed her squad's complete game.
"It was a competitive battle throughout, every time we punched, they counterpunched," said Huband. "It was back and forth and I thought they had a really good start thanks to Zoe Dahl playing exceptionally well. It was a good battle and a really good test, one that took a strong team effort and leadership to win and it's a positive step forward for the group leading into what comes next."
Pronghorn head coach Dave Adams was pleased with his team's effort despite the loss.
"I loved the grit and battle back in the fourth quarter. We lit the fuse a little too late, as we needed probably five more possessions to win. I am extremely proud of this team and their incredible growth this season. We must now take the torch of leadership from Zoe (Dahl) to continue to move forward."
Penn finished third in 'Birds scoring with 10 points and seven rebounds, while Pronghorns guard Kacie Bosch was second in scoring for the visitors with 11 points, six rebounds, and team-best four assists. Guard Katie Keith also recorded four assists, and eight rebounds to lead all Lethbridge players in that category.
While the Pronghorns season comes to a close, the Thunderbirds will wait for further Canada West action to play out this weekend ahead of determining who their opponent will be on the road next week for a quarter-final series.
PHOTO: Bob Frid / UBC Thunderbirds