WOLFPACK MBB  DROP SECOND STRAIGHT TO UBC

For Immediate Release: January 4, 2009

Kamloops, BC—Basketball fans of Kamloops got to see why the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds are one of the top teams in the Nation.  The T-Birds (12-1) put on another clinic Sunday (Jan 4) at the Tournament Capital Center, beating the home town Thompson Rivers University WolfPack (2-12) 94-58.

“It is always tough to play back to back games, especially with the differential in last nite’s (Saturday’s 106-51 victory) game, “ stated UBC head coach Kevin Hanson.  “ I thought TRU played harder, especially in the first half.   They were best in the second quarter all weekend. It was good for us because we had to work on a few things. Overall, glad to get two wins on the road.”

The T-Birds had six players in double figures led by Blain Labranche (4 th year, guard, Edmonton, Alta). He had 15 points. Bryson Kool (5 th year, forward, Pitt Meadows, BC) and Matt Rachar (5 th year, forward, Burnaby, BC) both had 12 points.
TRU, who trailed 43-27 at the half, were led by Jeff Friesen.  The 4 th year forward from Duncan, BC had 13 points.  Drew Bleth (4 th year, guard, Ridgefield, Wash) contributed 10 points.

“ I’m glad we didn’t get out worked today, “said WolfPack head coach Thom Gillespie. “ Certainly I have to give credit to our opponents, their ability to defend and play well defensively is impressive. Numerically, we were only minus five on the boards.  That’s a telltale stat on energy. We must have had a half a dozen guys get on the floor for a loose ball or we tied up the basketball. Those are energy play.  32 turnovers is excessive. I have to credit their defense so we have lots to work on with our young guys.”
He added its easier to coach a team when they are working hard.

The T-Birds now meet Trinity Western in their next game on January 9 th.  TRU meets up with the University of the Fraser Valley in the Lower Mainland on Saturday January 10 th.