Scheduled Game: @British Columbia*

89

GAME RESULTS 1 2 T Trinity Western 31 58 89 « FINAL British Columbia 31 43 74

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Game Recap

Men's Basketball (Conference game)
Saturday, January 10, 2004
TWU Spartans (89) at the UBC Thunderbirds (74)

Spartans Shock ‘Birds for Sweep

Vancouver, British Columbia - After last night's down-to-the-wire finish no one could have dreamed tonight's rematch between the Spartans and T-Birds would be even more dramatic, but somehow, through a series of bizarre events, it was. The story was the second half as a fired up Spartan squad squashed an answer-less UBC side 89-74.

The first half opened at a frenetic pace but grew more physical, resulting in more fouls being called, and at the break the score was all tied up at 31.

The drama began early in the second half when a series of technical fouls were called as a result of an inadvertent elbow by Logan Kitteringham to the face of UBC rookie Pat Sponaski. Another UBC player took offense and was called for a technical, but about 30 seconds later TWU Coach Stan Peters was assessed two quick technicals and tossed for the remainder of the game. This left the Spartan squad coachless for the remaining 12:40 with the score at 50-49 in favor of the T-Birds.

With everyone wondering who would run the Spartan Xs and Os, the Spartans quickly circled the wagons and determined that nothing and no one would defeat them on this night. They were unstoppable for the remainder of the half, reeling off an incredible 40-24 run through a combination of swarming defense, overpowering rebounding and sizzling shooting. UBC was knocked back on its heels and suddenly faced with the prospect of losing two straight not only to their crosstown playoff rivals, but also to a team coached by a fifth-year player (the coolheaded Dave Martens)!

The Spartans' inspiring effort was rewarded with the oh-so-sweet win and a standing ovation from their ever-faithful fans who were treated to a fine performance. The win improves TWU's record to 5-5, keeping them in contention for the playoffs, and drops UBC to 6-4.

Understandably Coach Peters didn't have much to say after the game, but was quick to give all the credit to "the team, who got together and just decided to win."

Adam Friesen was outstanding in the second half, scoring 18 of his team-leading 20 points in the second half, including three three-pointers. Friesen also added 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Casey Archibald led the T-Birds with 22 points and 4 rebounds.

Trinity Western returns home next weekend, hosting the University of Regina on Friday, January 16th at 8:00pm and Brandon University on Saturday, January 17th also at 8:00pm.

Game Notes: "Coach" Dave Martens should get credit for his first CIS win tonight...Jon Lundgren tallied 17 points (50% from the field), 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals...neither team shot particularly well overall, but, after shooting a dismal 33.3% in the first half the Spartans hit 60.7% in the second...UBC had 21 turnovers to TWU's 16...TWU had 11 steals...

-TW-

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