Matt Packwood, Brandon University Athletics

BRANDON, Man. – The UBC Thunderbirds weren't shaken by the loud and raucous crowd in Brandon Friday afternoon as the 'Birds picked up a 77-50 win in front of over 1,000 school-aged children.

The atmosphere was loud and one-sided but UBC rose to the occasion thanks to a good inside presence and hot shooting when needed.

The Thunderbirds' win gives them eight in a row as the playoff push heats up.

Keylyn Filewich was outstanding for UBC as being in her home province seemed to give the third-year forward a boost. The Winnipeg product put up 28 points and 15 rebounds in the win.

"It's been awesome. I played a few high school games here and it's always nice coming back home. To be able to play live in front of my parents and grandparents is always awesome and gives you some extra energy that you kind of need for the 11:30 a.m. game," Filewich said after Friday's game.

"We knew all week it would be a battle and 11:30 am is actually 9:30 our time, so just having that in our mind and if you don't mind you don't matter. That's kind of been our motto all week – we're not going to let these little things affect us so that was our mindset going into this week," Filewich added.

Filewich was one of four T-Birds in double-figures as Madison Penn (15 points, 9 rebs) and Jess Hanson (12 points, 9 assists) both finished just shy of a double-double.

The Bobcats struggled to score from beyond the arc all day, hitting just one three on 19 attempts.

The one make from downtown was in the dying seconds of the first half from Josie DeGagne who played 22 solid minutes for the Bobcats registering seven points and five steals.

Brandon was led in both scoring and rebounds by Lauren Anderson (12 pts, six boards) while rookie Laney Harder continues to impress, this time by contributing eight points as the Winkler, Man. product has started 13 out of 15 games for BU so far this season.

Anderson noted the Bobcats' effort on defence wasn't what they hope for due to a lack of communication.

"It was a little bit quiet coming out and maybe it was because of the kids were drowning us out but that's not an excuse. It's just getting back on the same page and playing like we know how," says Anderson.

The win improves UBC's record to 11-4 while Brandon slips to 2-13.

The two teams meet again Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Brandon University Healthy Living Centre.

Photo courtesy Rob Henderson