November 17 - The Bisons (3-3) were hoping to bounce back Saturday night, after a tough 60-79 loss to Victoria the night before. The visiting UBC Thunderbirds (7-1) were looking good prior to the evening’s contest, and would prove to be a tough match-up for Manitoba, having only lost once in CIS conference games.

UBC’s defence was the deciding factor in a 44-78 Bison loss Saturday night at the Investors Group Athletic Centre.

The opening quarter was a defensive deadlock as turnovers, rebounds and steals were the story in the early going. With three minutes left in the quarter, Leigh-Anne Legal-Young made a basket, plus one to take the 11-10 lead for the Bisons. From there, UBC’s strong defence was able to contain Manitoba shooters, holding off the Bisons for a 14-13 lead, going into the second.

Despite giving up a 10-point head start to the Birds to start the second frame, the home team was looking good defensively. Kaitlyn Flett made several steals to give the Bisons a chance; Manitoba couldn’t mount an offensive attack. Going into the break, UBC was leading the game 35-15.

UBC’s defensive strength was the difference in the first half, forcing the ball over 12 times with five total blocks. The Thunderbirds’ Leanne Evans was the leading point getter with seven in the half.

An 8-3 run started Manitoba off on the right foot in the second half. However, The Herd fell flat-footed on defence, and UBC was able to extend their lead further throughout the third quarter.

Going into the final quarter, the Thunderbirds were holding a nearly 30-point, 60-31 lead. The Birds were rolling to start the quarter, going on a 10-2 run. By the end of the game, UBC finished just as strong as they started, winning the game by a score of 78-44.

Erica McGuinness had a game-high 17 points, while Zara Huntley had four blocks on the night for the Thunderbirds on the night. Bison co-captain Melanie Schlichter was the top Bison with 10 points and four assists.

Next week, the Bisons will head out to B.C. for games against two top-ranked teams in the west. On November 23, Manitoba will take on the number-one ranked SFU Clan, followed by a game against Trinity Western on November 24.

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