Josh McAvoy, UNBC Athletics
PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. - The University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves completed a series sweep over the Thompson Rivers University Wolfpack, Saturday, January 5th at the Charles Jago Northern Sports Centre, topping the Pack 79-49.
The Timberwolves, led by Vasiliki Louka and Madison Landry, started the night strong. The pair combined for 18 points in the first half, and went in to the break with a 38-23 lead.
In the third quarter, reserve Alina Shakirova continued her recent hot play. One night after setting a career-high with 18 points, the Moscow native scored 11 in the third stanza, and would finish with 19 points. The Wolfpack fought hard throughout, and a last minute three from Emily Vilac provided optimism heading in to the final quarter.
"Alina was huge for us in both the games this weekend, and it's really great to see her step up with all those points" said Landry on Shakirova's successful night. "Last year she was our defensive stopper, but she has grown so much offensively for us."
The Timberwolves high power offence proved too much for the Wolfpack in the final quarter, as the game finished 79-49.
"It was good to get that rest during the break, but we still came out this weekend playing the way we wanted to, hitting our fast break passes, and getting in to our sets" said Madison Landry.
Michelle Bos led the Wolfpack on the scoresheet, with a 14 point effort. Overall, TRU shot 16-for-62 from the field, and 4-for-25 from long-range.
"The shots didn't fall for us tonight, and unfortunately sometimes that's just the way it goes. We're going to hit the gym, and get our shots up to make sure this doesn't happen again," said Jordon Haggerty on the Wolfpack's shooting woes.
UNBC was led by Shakirova, who was equaled by Vasiliki Louka who had a 19 point, 10 rebound day. Madison Landry had 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists, while Maria Mongomo had 13 points and ten rebounds. Emily Holmes set a career high with seven assists.
The result pushes the Timberwolves to 8-4 on the season, whereas the Wolfpack drop to 3-9. The Timberwolves will look to add to their record as they take on the University of Manitoba Bison's next week at the Charles Jago Northern Sports Centre.