Box Score Written by: Larry Read, TRU Sports Information
KAMLOOPS- The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack seem to be hitting stride at the right time in Canada West men's basketball. The WolfPack won their third in a row to move to 10-7 on the season following a 75-60 win over the visiting University of Manitoba Bisons Friday night (Jan 31) at the Tournament Capital Centre. The BIsons fall to 4-13 and three game win streak is snapped.
"They did a good job of speeding us up at times," said WolfPack head coach Scott Clark." We knew that they would try to do that to us. When that happened they had some success against us. "
The WolfPack came out with a bang in the opening quarter and jumped to an 11-0 run. They wound up outscoring Manitoba 27-17 in the opening period and held a 40-32 advantage at the break.
"We talked about having some readiness "Clark said about his team's quick start. " I think we had some bitter taste in our mouth still from the Fraser Valley weekend (where UFV swept the 'Pack at home). We didn't come out prepared that weekend and ready to go. I think the guys took it to heart and did a good job of that."
"Other than the first five minutes when they (TRU) went 17-2 or something it was a close game," stated Manitoba coach Kirby Schepp." I think we thought the game started at 8:15 pm," he laughed. "They came up with much higher energy that we did, made some shots and got into it. We calmed down but they are too good a ball team. I told their coach that they got off to a good lead and did a great job in the fourth quarter of executing their stuff and keeping control of the game late. We couldn't come back."
The Bison opened the second half strong and outscored TRU 17-15 in the quarter but TRU had a strong finish to win by 16.
The WolfPack were led by Reese Pribilsky (3rd year, guard). Pribilsky was named the" McDonalds/TRU Bookstore Leader of the Pack player of the game" with 22 points, four assists and five steals. Ta'Quan Zimmerman (3rd year, guard) had 20 points for TRU while Josh Wolfram (3rd year, forward) had a double double — 15 points and 15 rebounds (nine on defense).
Manitoba got 14 points a piece from Andre Arruda (1st year, forward) and Dan Penner (5th year, forward). Arruda added 11 boards. Amir Ali (4th year, guard) had 10 points.
"I liked the way we were resilient and didn't fold our tent," added Schepp. "At times in the second half and in the second quarter we played well but it wasn't consistent for any length of time."
The WolfPack entertain the Winnipeg Wesmen on Saturday (Feb 1). The Wesmen beat UBCO Friday night in Kelowna, 86-80. Tip off Saturday is 7 pm PT at the TCC. Manitoba goes to Kelowna, BC to face UBCO on Saturday.
