The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades men’s basketball team defeated the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack, 92-66, tonight at the Envision Athletic Centre. The Cascades improve their Canada West regular season record to 11-8, good for third place in the Pacific Division of Canada West. The WolfPack fall to 6-14 and are eliminated from the Canada West post season tournament.
Tonight’s game was one of the best offensive displays by the Cascades at the Envision Athletic Centre since they joined Canada West seven years ago. UFV came out on fire hitting every shot they took in the first couple minutes of the game. The Cascades shot an impressive 60% from the floor in the first half as they scored 38 first quarter points and 63 points by the break. On defense they were excellent forcing 7 TRU turnovers and holding the WolfPack to 21 points.
Three Cascades were in double figures by the break led by Kyle Grewal, Surrey, BC with 16 points, Sam Freeman, Coquitlam, BC with 15 points and Kevon Parchment, Toronto, Ontario with 14 points. The 42 point difference is the team’s best halftime lead this year.
In the second half, Coach Adam Friesen was able to play his bench and give all nine guys dressed quality minutes. UFV did slow down the pace in the second half as they shot 25 percent from the floor. The Cascades were held to 29 second half points but the big first half carried them to a quality 26 point victory. TRU shot 39 percent in the half as they cut 16 points of the Cascades halftime lead.
Freeman led all scorers with a game high 24 point performance. Grewal finished with 20 points and 6 rebounds and Parchment recorded a double double 17 points and 11 rebounds. UFV forced 13 TRU turnovers and recorded 10 steals led by Parchment and Aaron McGowan, Toronto, Ontario with 3 each. The Cascades pulled down 43 rebounds for the game.
Kevin Pribilsky, Victoria, BC led TRU with 19 points. Theron Haslom, Oak Harbor, WA chipped in with 11 points as they were the only two WolfPack in double figures. Pribilsky and Zach Usherwood, Coquitlam, BC each pulled down 6 rebounds for the WolfPack.
“We played well tonight. It is a perfect time for our team to be healthy as we gear up for the post season,” commented Friesen. “I look forward to another good performance tomorrow night against TRU.”