The Battle of British Columbia
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Top Performers
TWU: Kyle Coston–23 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists
UBC: Alex Murphy— 21 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists
HALIFAX, NS– The energy in this west coast battle was evident from the first tip, as both BC contingents had a travelling crowd behind them, creating a great atmosphere in the Metro Centre.
UBC had beaten Acadia to advance to this semi-final while Trinity Western took care of Lakehead. UBC began the first quarter firing on all cylinders, rotating the ball and getting easy baskets in transition. The first quarter ended with a 10-point lead for the Thunderbirds, 22-12.
Although the UBC Thunderbirds owned the first half, it was the overall result that went in favour of the Trinity Western Spartans as they defeated the Thunderbirds 74-72 in an epic dogfight.
Player of the game, Kyle Coston woke up in the second half and led his spartans to victory scoring 20 of his 23 points in the second half.
“In that locker room it felt like we had a fire lit under our butts,” said Coston, referring to halftime.
The spartans came out hungry in the second half opening up an 8-0 run to cut the Thunderbird lead and gain momentum. Nothing was going UBC’s way; charges, turnovers, and missed open opportunities gave Trinity Western hope.
The third quarter was dominated by Trinity, which served to be the difference in the outcome as they outscored UBC 23-12.
“We’re better than that and we knew it. Coach didnt have to say too much, he just looked at us in the eye and said ‘hey its your time, now go out there and show it.'”
Anytime these two BC powerhouses meet, it’s personal. Not only was this the semi-final in the biggest stage of CIS basketball, but also a matchup for BC bragging rights!
“There’s a rivalry and there’s always been a rivary,” said Coston. “They beat us big time in the season, so this is pay back!”
Alex Murphy led the offensive atack for UBC, spotting up for three point bombs and connecting on pull up jumpers, giving him a team-high 21 points.
Kamar Burke of UBC also had a solid outing, registering a double double with 13 points and 15 rebounds.
The Winning party was led by aformentioned Kyle Coston as he posted a double double pf his own, 23 points, 12 rebounds.
Jacob Doerksen and Calvin Westbrook also chipped in with 16 and 15 respectively.
Who would you rather have on championship day: Carleton or Saskatchewan?
“It deosn’t really matter, I’m fine with whoever!” explained an enthusiastic Kyle Coston.
Trinity Western will take on Carleton in the championship final which will tip off at 5:00 PM Atlantic Time.
