Day two of the 2011 Canada West Playoffs featured all teams, including the defending CIS basketball champions Saskatchewan Huskies, the UBC Thunderbirds, Trinity Western Spartans and road warriors Victoria Vikes.
Victoria Vikes 59 – Alberta Golden Bears 76
(best-of-three 1-1)
Victoria Vikes came up big when it mattered most. Shooting a scorching (30-50) from the floor – 60% for the game. Four Victoria players scored in double figures as most of the damage was done from long range, with 10 three-pointers made.
Top 3 Performers
Victoria Vikes
R.Mackinnon 20 Pts, 7 Reb, 3 Ast
M.Berg 18 Pts, 3 Reb, 2 Ast
W.Thomas 14 Pts, 6 Reb
Alberta Golden Bears
D Ferguson 29 Pts, 3 Stl
J.Baker 22 Pts, 6 Reb, 3 Stl
R.Dewar 8 Pts, 3 Reb
Up Next: The Golden Bears are at home, but Victoria has a proven road record.
Saskatchewan Huskies 98 – Regina Cougars 75
(Saskatchewan 1-0)
High scoring and defending CIS/U Sports basketball men’s champions, Saskatchewan Huskies quickly dispatched the Regina Cougars in a game which was never close. Both Rejean Chabot and Jamelle Barrett will be All-Canadians, the question is who will be on the second team?
Top 3 Performers
Saskatchewan Huskies
Rejean Chabot 29 Pts, 3 Stl
Jamelle Barrett 23 Pts, 11 Reb, 6 Stl, 1 Blk
N. Brudehl 6 Pts, 22 Reb, 2 Stl, 2 Ast
Regina Cougars
J. Lukomski 23 Pts, 6 Reb, 6 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 Blk
P. Gareau 20 Pts, 9 Reb, 1 Blk
K. Heshka 11 Pts, 11 Reb, 6 Stl, 1 Blk
Up Next: The Cougars will have to step up their defensive intensity if they hope to extend their season. The Huskies are where they should be, one win away from reaching the Canada West Final Four as March Madness fever kicks in.
UBC Thunderbirds 105 – Manitoba Bisons 75
(Saskatchewan 1-0)
2010 POY (Player of the Year) Josh Whyte came out in attack mode and the Thunderbirds’ depth forced 26 Bisons’ turnovers.
Top 3 Performers
Josh Whyte 29 Pts, 8 Reb 2 Ast 2Stl
Brent Malish 13 Pts, 7 Reb, 2, 2 Ast
Doug Plumb 17 Pts, 3 Reb
Manitoba Bisons
J. Huertas 23 Pts, 4 Reb, 4 Ast, 3 Stl
S.Maxwell 18 Pts, 2 Reb,
R. Reimer 6 Pts, 10 Reb, 5 Ast, 3 Blk
Up Next: The Thunderbirds are deep and have a lot of experience. The Bisons’ have some pieces but are still very raw.
Trinity Western Spartans 86 – Fraser Valley Cascades 69
(best-of-three 1-1)
Nobody said it was going to be easy. Too much Jacob Doerksen in 3rd and 4th quarters. The Spartans’ defence only allowed 26 points after half-time. The rebounding battled was dominated by the Spartans.
Top 3 Performers
Trinity Western Spartans
Jacob Doerksen 32 Pts, 6 Reb 2 Ast, 2Stl
Kyle Coston 17 Pts, 9 Reb 4 Ast
Tyrell Mara 4 Pts, 12 Reb, 4 Stl, 3 Ast
Fraser Valley Cascades
J. Friesen 24 Pts, 5 Ast, 2 Reb,
J .Elliott 14 Pts, 3 Reb
Z.Gray 11 Pts, 4 Ast, 3 Reb
Up Next: The Cascades three-point % dipped well below seasonal averages. Exciting series with great action. Lack of interior defence means a lot more Doerksen and Colston in the series finale.
