Josh McAvoy, UNBC Athletics
PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. -
The University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves shot the lights out on opening night, shooting 50% from the field, including 9-18 from the three-point line defeating the University of Winnipeg Wesmen 75-68, Friday, November 2nd at the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre.
On opening night in Prince George, the Timberwolves came out firing from beyond the arc, sinking all three of their first attempts. Fifth-year forward Vasiliki Louka followed suit with several jumpers of her own in the opening quarter as the Timberwolves outscored the Wesmen 25-16.
"It felt great to be out in front of the home crowd today, it's been a while and the fans were great. They really help with our intensity and we feel stronger with them behind us" said Landry postgame.
Both teams came out trading baskets in the second quarter, but it was Mongomo who made the difference in the defensive battle. Her seven points in the quarter helped the Timberwolves extend the lead to 12 points as the half ended 40-28.
The Wesmen wouldn't go away without a fight, as they started the fourth quarter on a 10-2 run, narrowing the gap between them and the Timberwolves. Wesmen veteran, Jessica Dyck, capped off the run with an and-1 of her own. The Timberwolves held off a late fury from the Wesmen, as the experience of veteran's Maria Mongomo and Vasiliki Louka combined for ten points in the games final two minutes.
Vasiliki Louka led all scorers with 22 points, and 14 rebounds, while Mongomo and Landry chipped in with 15 and 13 points, respectively, in the Timberwolves home opener.
Four Wesmen players went for double-digit nights, but it was Robyn Boulanger who led the team with 14 points and three assists. The Wesmen's loss drops their record to 2-1 on the season.
"Hopefully we can get that rhythm we showed in the fourth quarter going tomorrow in the first and come out stronger" said Jessica Dyck postgame in regards to tomorrow's rematch.
The victory moves the Timberwolves to 3-0 on the season, as they look to extend their unbeaten record tomorrow night as the two teams face off for another exciting game of Canada West basketball.