After Friday night’s furious 4th quarter comeback came up just short, a huge 3rd quarter powered the UVic Vikes to their first win of the season over the visiting UBCO Heat by a final score of 81 - 52.
UVic came out of the gate strong with good passing and a defense that created a large number turnovers, forcing UBCO head coach Pete Guarasci to call his first time out with his team down 10 - 2 halfway through the first. Coach Guarasci appeared to light a spark under his team during the timeout as UBCO was much more aggressive getting to the rim against UVic’s bench and tied the game up15 all after the first quarter.
4th year guard Mason Loewen sparked the home team by getting into the paint with his excellent change of pace and finishing through contact for four quick points to start the 2nd quarter. UBCO continues to keep pace by scoring out of set plays and good ball movement. However a momentum shift sparked by consecutive stops and scores by the Vikes wake up the crowd and cause the Heat to call their second timeout of the game with the score now 26 - 19 in favour of UVic.
4th year star Jordan Charles has not been very aggressive with getting his own shot off but has played a huge part in the Vikes early success with his ability to create for others, rebounding and defense. The rest of the quarter continues with Loewen continuing to finish through contact well, 4th year forward Justin Kinnear finding success getting to the rim and UBCO continuing their strong team play to finish the quarter strong. The first half ends with the score 34 - 30 for the home team.
Hometown product and 3rd year guard Taylor Montgomery-Stinson led the Vikes out of halftime with a corner 3 followed by a steal and breakaway leading to an and-one. Montgomery-Stinson continued his strong defensive play when moments later he got another steal and breakaway layup and Charles followed that up with a turnaround jumper in the paint and a three pointer that pushes UVic to a 47 - 32 lead and leads to another timeout from Coach Guarasci.
After the timeout UBCO starts to pickup full court but the Vikes press break stays patient and advances the ball easily. Charles and Kinnear continue their strong scoring and push the UVic lead to 59-36. The Vikes defense is pushing the pace, creating steals and leading to many more fast break opportunities. A buzzer beating 3 pointer by 2nd year forward Jason Scully ends the third quarter with UVic up 69 - 38 after they outscored UBCO 35-8 in the frame.
At the beginning of the final quarter UBCO switches their defense to a zone with a final attempt to throw UVic out of rhythm but good passing leads to open shots and an easy corner 3. With the game out of hand at this point, Vikes Coach Craig Beaucamp empties his bench midway through the 4th quarter, allowing fans their first chance to see the freshman from local Oak Bay Secondary, Jaden Touchie. UVic closes this one out and wins their first game of this young season by a final score of 81 - 52.
Highlights Courtesy of University of Victoria Athletics
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