Canada West Women's Basketball Weekend Preview - November 24-25
With four games on the slate this weekend, this will be evenly matched with both the UBC Thunderbirds and the University of Winnipeg Wesmen sitting at 4-4. These two teams are coming into the game with even records, however, the Thunderbirds are looking to bounce back from their tough loss last Saturday at home against rival Trinity Western University (6-2). The task won’t be easy as their Winnipeg foes are coming off of two 14-point victories against the University of the Fraser Valley last weekend.
These two teams are coming into the game with even records, however, the Thunderbirds are looking to bounce back from their tough loss last Saturday at home against Trinity Western University (6-2). “Every game is important but the more games you play, the more important they become,” states Coach Huband, UBC women’s coach. The task won’t be easy as their Winnipeg foes are coming off of two 14-point victories against the University of the Fraser Valley last weekend. With a young squad this year, Huband expects her players to come out focused. “We need to bring energy and focus to the series and do a better job of executing our game plan. With our youth, we tend to lack assertive communication, and the game is so dynamic that without it, you can not succeed.”
UBC is looking for another strong performance this weekend from Australian Guard Maddison Penn, who posted 27 and 29 points in two contests against TWU. UBC will be leaning on Penn to lead the team victory, who has drawn high praise from her coach. “Maddison is a dynamic competitor with a unique skill set. She can greatly impact the game offensively and on the boards.” Penn has been averaging 19 points per game this season, making her second, only behind none other than Winnipeg’s Guard Antoinette Miller.
The Thunderbirds are looking to slow down Winnipeg’s best player who has been scorching the conference, averaging 26ppg. Huband is challenging her team to stop Miller with “strong individual and team defense to keep her impact manageable.” Both teams are looking to secure a sweep of the weekend, which would push them closer to league leading University of Lethbridge (8-0).
TRU (4-4) @ Mount Royal University (0-8) – 3pm
In other BC university women’s action, Thompson Rivers University is in Calgary this weekend to face Mount Royal University. This matchup is interesting as MRU are looking to secure their first wins of the season, while TRU is looking to shake off their 4 game losing streak after a hot 4-0 start.
UNBC (3-5) @ MacEwan University (1-5) – 4pm
The UNBC Timberwolves are in Edmonton facing MacEwan University). The Timberwolves have had strong wins against top league opponents, sweeping UBC and splitting the weekend with the previously undefeated Cougars from Regina (5-1).
UBC Okanagan (0-6) @ UFV (2-6) – 5pm
In the only all BC matchup of the weekend, UFV plays host to UBC Okanagan. Both BC squads are looking to get back in the winning column, as The Heat are also looking to pick up their first wins of the season, while The Cascades are looking forward to getting back to their winning ways after a 4 game losing skid.
Written By: Chris Evans