CALGARY - After losing their opportunities to go to the Canada West men's basketball Championship, the UBC Thunderbirds and Manitoba Bisons vyed for bronze tonight (Sat., March 12) at the Jack Simpson Gym. With a 101-72 win, the TBirds will go back to Vancouver with the medals in their hands before the CIS Final 8 Championship.

Playing with a chip on their shoulders following their loss against the Thompson Rivers WolfPack last night, the TBirds hit the hardwood ready to dominate. In the first half, they subdued the Bisons with a strong 30 point lead. While the Bisons attempted to claw back onto the scoreboard, the TBirds' offensive efficiency would prove to be too much for them. Making a whopping 16 three pointers and shooting 50.0% overall, the TBirds were in control for the vast majority of the game.

Leading the UBC charge was forward Conor Morgan's strong performance. Scoring 28 points on 10-14 FG and 7-8 3PT, he was a sight to behold on the hardwood as he elevated his teammates to victory. The TBirds shared the ball effectively but some other standouts for the night were Taylor Browne, AJ Hollaway, and Patrick Simon. On the Bisons, AJ Basi, Keith Omoerah, and and Joseph Medrano were key for keeping them in the scoreboard.

After being eliminated to adavance to the CIS championship by host Calgary in the semifinal on Friday, Manitoba complted their fantastic 2015-16 by playing the whole team in the bronze medl contest. Omoerah led the Bisons with 13 points followed by co-captain AJ Basi with 12 and Joseph Medrano with 12 points. 

The CIS Final 8 Championship will kick off on Thursday, March 17 at the UBC Doug Mitchell Sports Centre in Vancouver.