After an eventful weekend, the men’s WolfPack basketball team can again call themselves champions. Following an intense match with the UBCO on Friday that landed the team a spot in the playoffs, the ‘Pack came together on Saturday, sweeping the Heat and securing the President’s Cup for the second consecutive year.
On Saturday, the WolfPack started the game off strong, hitting 71 per cent from the field during the opening quarter. Out of eight players who scored during the quarter, forward Thomas Olsen led with eight points.
With the momentum on their side, the ‘Pack expanded their lead through the second quarter, earning an additional 29 points. Forward Simon Crossfield and guard Cyrus Harrison both scored six points. The team’s seven offensive rebounds in the quarter secured their dominance.
After the halftime break, ‘Pack forward Reuben Wright led the team with six points. By the end of the third quarter, the ‘Pack boasted a 71-42 lead.
Although the Heat made a strong comeback attempt during the final quarter, the defending champions fought off their advances, finishing the game with an 89-68 victory, ahead of UBCO by 21 points.
The President’s Cup is an annual head-to-head matchup between TRU and UBCO in soccer, basketball and volleyball. This is the second consecutive year the ‘Pack has walked away victorious.
Currently, TRU is third in the Pacific Division. After the regular season, the top seven teams from the Prairie Division and the top five teams from the Pacific Division will clash.
The men’s team will play their final two games of the regular season tonight and tomorrow night in Victoria, squaring off against the 16-0 UVic Vikes in a double header.