By Larry Read
TRU Sports Information Officer
KAMLOOPS, BC---The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack got off to a great start but were unable to contain a deep University of Regina Cougar bench as they dropped a75-52 decision in Canada West women's basketball play Friday night (Jan 18).
The game was played on the championship court of the Tournament Capital Centre.
The taller Cougars ruled the boards and had 68 rebounds compared to TRU's 38.
Regina moved to 12-3 on the season thanks to 13 points and 16 rebounds from Kyanna Giles (3rd year, guard, Winnipeg, MB). TRU's main offensive weapon was Leilani Carney who had 13 as well. She was named the TRU Bookstore/McDonalds "Leader of the Pack" player of the game.
SYNOPSIS
The WolfPack weren't intimidated by the higher ranked Cougars and came out strong. They jumped out to a 3-0 lead and were up 22-18 after the first quarter. Leilani Carney had eight points in that first period while Emily VIlace had six going 2-3 from beyond the arc. Faith Reid was the top gunner for the Cougars in the first quarter with six.
The Cougars had 35 rebounds in the second half compaired to TRU's 20. Regina outscored the jPack 22-6 in the third quarter.
This was the first regular season game for the WolfPack at the Tournament Capital Centre in the calendar year 2019.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS:
THEY SAID IT!! (post game quotes):
TRU Assistant Coach Chuck Ferguson::
On the Contest: "I thought we came up wiih a lot of energy and a lot of focus and ran our offense pretty well in the first half. I liked our energy level and compete. They are a very well coached team and very deep. We gav eup 68 rebounds and that was key. They are much bigger than us and that was a challenge."
Video of post game interview: click here
Regina head coach Dave Taylor (13th season):
On victory: "I thought shot the ball pretty well in the second half. I thought we rebounded the ball well. I really thought we didn't play that great tonight honestly. We need to show up tomorrow ready to play. We talked all week about how well they can shoot the three and they dominated us in thatr area in the first half."
Video of post game interview: click here
UP NEXT:
This was Donor night where various individuals and businesses in the area who support TRU Athletics through scholarships and bursaries were recognized. The 'World Famous" Kamloops Rube Band was in attendance to play.
Before the game, there was a moment of silence to honor the passing of Glen Burrell. Known as the "WolfPack's number one fan" and 'unofficial grandpa' to the student/athletes over the years, Burrell was a mainstay at all games and matches. He passed away earlier this week.
The WolfPack and Cougars will finish up their weekend series tomorrow night on the champ court at the Tournament Capital Centre.
That game will be webcast starting at 4:50 pm on www.Canadawest.tv .All WolfPack games—home and away—are webcast on a pay per view basis on Canada West TV.
This was the first of four in a row at home for Thompson Rivers. Next weekend (Jan 25-26), the Manitoba Bisons are in town.