LOSING WOES CONTINUE FOR TRU WOLFPACK MENS BASKETBALL



For release: January 11, 2008

Abbotsford, BC - University of the Fraser Valley rebounded from a four-point, first-quarter deficit by outscoring Thompson Rivers University 22-9 in the second quarter, and went on to defeat the WolfPack 77-53 in Canada West men’s basketball action Saturday atEnvision Athletic Centre.

The Cascades ended a five-game losing streak, and improved to 7-8 with the victory, while the WolfPack fell to 2-13.  The Pack have lost their last 11 games—nine of them being league.

“I was happy with how we played as a group during the second and third quarters. We played well as a unit and created open shots,”stressed Cascades head coach Barnaby Craddock. “We needed to get a win in this division. It’s a tough division, and wins are always hard fought.”

Sam Freeman (Burnaby, BC), the Canada West leader in free throw percentage, was a perfect eight-for-eight from the line and led the Cascades with 19 points. Cascades leading scoring Tristan Smith (Gardena, CA) was seven of 10 from the field and chipped in 15 points, while Sheldon Bjorgaard (Abbotsford, BC) added 11 points.
The Cascades were good on 10-of-11 attempts from the line, and shot 47 per cent overall in the victory.

“After a good first quarter we couldn’t handle the pressure and turnovers killed us. “ stated WolfPack head coach Thom Gillespie. “ It was a poor team performance.” He added.

“I really wanted to see our level of play increase. It’s what we need to compete with top-ranked teams in our division,” added
Craddock. “We played a little sloppy with 22 turnovers, and have to do a better job against upcoming teams. I’m looking for us to play at a higher level for upcoming games.”

For the WolfPack, Jeff Friesen (Duncan, BC) and Drew Bleth (Ridgefield,WA) each scored 12 points. Friesen had a game-high nine rebounds. The WolfPack shot just 30 per cent in the second half, and 35 per cent overall.

The WolfPack will visit Trinity Western University Jan. 16-17, while the Cascades travel to Simon Fraser University, the team they’re trying to catch for the final playoff spot in Canada West.

TRU’s final home games of the Canada West Regular Season come up January 22 and 23 rd at the Tournament Capital Center when they entertain the U Vic Vikes.

(with assistance from the UFV Sports Information Department)