Top-ranked UBC survives scare from pesky Pronghorns

by Eoin Colquhoun, U of Lethbridge Sports Info

LETHBRIDGE, AB - CIS top-ranked and undefeated UBC Thunderbirds survived a scare from the Lethbridge Pronghorns, as a dominating third quarter lifted the visitors to a 88-78 victory, their 12th of the Canada Wet season.

Down by 10 points after the opening half, the T-Birds had a roaring start to the second half, erasing the 10 point deficit with an 11-0 run enroute to a 23-10 quarter. While the Horns hung tough throughout the second half, keeping the game within striking distance the entire fourth quarter, they were never able to fully recover.

Guard Josh Whyte (Calgary, AB, 4th) paced the Thunderbirds with a game high 28 points, nine rebounds and seven assists and Brent Malish (Langley, BC, 4th) chipped in with 17 points. For the Horns, Danhue Lawrence (Toronto, ON, 4th) finally had his breakout night, scoring a season high 25 points and finished the double-double, grabbing 10 rebounds. Point guard Jeff Price (Calgary, AB, 4th) contributed 18 points and seven boards in a losing cause.

After a dead even opening quarter, the Horns caught fire in the second pouring in 27 points, which included a 18 -6 run that earned the Horns a 12 point lead with more than three minutes remaining in the half. The lead hovered around that mark, reaching as many as 13 until with the clock running down Malish hit one of his four threes to cut the lead to 10.

While the Thunderbirds found a groove after the break, the Horns went the exact opposite direction making only 9 second half field goals and shooting a dismal 26.5%, including 0-for-8 from behind the arc. Despite their porous shooting in the half, the Horns only trailed by three after three, and within three possessions for majority of the fourth.

A late surge by the T-Birds pushed the lead to double-digits late and, having to foul, the Horns could not make timely shots. The Thunderbirds were clutch from the charity stripe, making eight of 10 free throws down the stretch.

While the Thunderbird remains undefeated, the Horns loss drops the Horns to 6-8 and a fourth-place tie with the Alberta Golden Bears.

The Horns conclude their Pacific Division series hosting the Victoria Vikes on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. MT at the 1st Choice Saving Centre.

The Thunderbirds will travel north to face the No. 5-ranked Calgary Dinos in a battle of Canada West division leaders.