Box Score On Friday night in Vancouver, the UNBC Timberwolves (2-12) dropped an 82-57 decision to the host UBC Thunderbirds at War Memorial Gym. Despite a gritty effort and a 12-point performance from Justin Sunga, the Timberwolves couldn't overcome the size and scoring balance of the Thunderbirds, led by Nylan Roberts' game-high 19 points.
 
The game started with UBC jumping out to an early lead, but Chris Ainsley put the Timberwolves ahead 3-2 with a 3-pointer. The Thunderbirds responded with a run, fueled by Nikola Guzina inside and a 3-pointer from Gus Goerzen, to build a 17-5 lead. Danilo Gonzalez broke the run with a pair of free throws, and Isaiah Bias provided a spark late in the quarter, hitting a jump shot and a 3-pointer to cut into the deficit. Wesley Ainu'u and Bias added free throws in the final minute, but UBC held a 24-14 advantage after ten minutes.
 
The Timberwolves found their offensive rhythm in the second quarter. Ainsley opened the frame with a layup assisted by Bias, and Ainu'u scored twice inside to keep the T-Wolves within striking distance. Tony Kibonge was fouled on a 3-point attempt and calmly sank all three free throws, and Milan Pasquale electrified the bench with a four-point play to make it 38-31. However, the Thunderbirds closed the half on a 9-0 run, capped by a Jacob Antchak dunk, to take a 47-31 lead into the locker room.
 
In the third quarter, the Timberwolves continued to battle. Ainsley scored early, and Kibonge drained a 3-pointer to trim the lead. Sunga began to assert himself, hitting a layup and free throws, while Bias attacked the rim for a layup and a free throw. A technical foul on UBC's Nikola Guzina—which saw him ejected from the game—gave UNBC a free throw, but the Thunderbirds managed to extend their lead to 62-43 heading into the final frame.
 
The fourth quarter saw Sunga try to spark a comeback for the T-Wolves. The guard hit a jump shot and a 3-pointer on back-to-back possessions, and Ainsley added a pair of layups to cut the deficit. Ainu'u remained active on the glass, converting two tip-ins down the stretch. Despite the late push, UBC's Roberts answered with a key 3-pointer, and the Thunderbirds' depth secured the 82-57 victory.
 
The Timberwolves will look to bounce back and earn a split in the weekend series when they face the Thunderbirds again tomorrow night in Vancouver.