The UNBC Timberwolves Men's Basketball squad has seen plenty of encouraging signs in the early days of the 2026-27 season. Unfortuately for Todd Jordan's club, they're 0-2 where it matters most having dropped matchups to TRU and UBCO. This weekend, the task doesn't get any easier as they battle with the reigning conference champs from Victoria. 
 
Meanwhile, on the Island, the Vikes are 1-1 to start their season. On Thursday last week, the Vikes opened with a convincing home victory over UFV, but two nights later they dropped an 11-point decision to Trinity Western University.
 
Was Saturday a blip? Or can the hungry, veteran-laden TWolves capitalize on some early season vulnerability with the Vikes?
 
VICTORIA VIKES
 
Record: 1-1
Points-Per-Game: 90.5 (4^th in CW)
Points Allowed Per-Game: 83.5 (10^th in CW)
Top Scorer: Renoldo Robison (15.5)
Top Rebounder: Shadynn Smid
 
UNBC TIMBERWOLVES
 
Record: 0-2
Points-Per-Game: 86.5 (7^th in CW)
Points Allowed Per-Game: 94.5 (13^th in CW)
Top Scorer: Evgeny Baukin (22.0)
Top Rebounder: Chris Ainsley (8.5)

AINSLEY TAKING ANOTHER STEP?
 
Through two games this season, fourth-year guard Chris Ainsley is averaging 14.0 points-per-game. Even more impressive is his work on the defensive side of the floor. Through two games, Ainsley is the team's top rebounder, averaging 8.5 per-game. The sample size is small, but if Ainsley can continue to provide this type of solid rebounding, it adds another impressive defensively element to Todd Jordan's squad. Offensively there's no denying Ainsley's talent, but if he becomes an even stronger two-way player this season – look out!