VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds women's basketball team defeated its Canada West rivals from Saskatchewan 75-51 in the final of the Darcel Wright Memorial Classic Sunday afternoon in Toronto, Ontario. The annual tournament is hosted by the Ryerson Rams.

UBC finished the three day tournament a perfect 3-0, defeating York University 69-42, McMaster University 57-40, and the University of Saskatchewan 75-51.

The Thunderbirds led 18-12 after the first 10 minutes of action Sunday and put its foot on the gas in the second quarter, outscoring the Huskies 26-12 to lead 44-24 at halftime.

They would cruise the rest of the way winning by 24 points, 75-51.

Harleen Sidhu was a perfect 10-for-10 shooting from the floor and led the Thunderbirds with 21 points. Cassandra Knievel, Kara Spotton, and Kris Young all finished in double figures scoring with 15, 13, and 11 points respectively. 

"I'm very pleased with a solid team performance against one of the traditionally tough teams in the CIS," said UBC head coach Deb Huband. "We were a gritty, tough team today who defended with commitment and tenacity, worked on the glass and executed well offensively. Today was by far our best team performance of the preseason. It was rewarding to see some of the pieces come together."

Kamloops product and NBA player Kelly Olynyk was on hand to watch Sunday's final as his younger sister Maya plays for the Huskies. He too was impressed by the Thunderbirds play, tweeting out after the game:

"Impressed with this @UBCWBBall team. Harleen Sidhu can flat out play! #SASKvsUBC #RyersonTourney"

Sidhu was named the Tournament MVP as well as an all-star along with Young. 

With the victory UBC improved to a perfect 7-0 in exhibition play.

The Thunderbirds will wrap up the preseason next Saturday, November 1st when they play host to Western Washington University at War Memorial Gym at 1:45 p.m.

The Canada West regular season will open up the following weekend as UBC will take on its provincial rivals from Victoria November 7-8 at War Memorial Gymnasium.

IMAGE CREDIT: Ryerson University Athletics