ABBOTSFORD, B.C. – The University of the Fraser Valley women's basketball team punched its playoff ticket thanks to arguably its best performance of the season – and a big assist from the Brandon Bobcats. Taking on the Manitoba Bisons in a must-win game at the Envision Financial Athletic Centre on Saturday, Feb. 3, the Cascades had outstanding energy from the opening tip and rolled to an 80-56 victory.

That wasn't the final piece of their playoff puzzle, however. The Cascades also needed the Bobcats to defeat the Thompson Rivers WolfPack on the road in Kamloops, and Brandon obliged, clawing out an 81-73 triumph.

Those results left the Cascades and WolfPack with matching 8-12 records, tied for the 12th and final conference playoff berth. But UFV will advance to the post-season for an eighth consecutive year by virtue of their 2-0 head-to-head record vs. TRU.

The Bisons (9-11) are also playoff-bound, having clinched their berth after Friday's 79-74 OT win over Fraser Valley.

Taylor Claggett had a huge night for the Cascades, racking up 27 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. She also went 15-for-19 at the charity stripe, setting UFV program records for free throw takes and makes.

It was Senior Night for Cascades fifth-years Shayna Litman and Sara Simovic, and both players contributed offensively in their final game at the EFAC. Litman scored 22 points and hauled down seven rebounds, and Simovic had 13 points, five rebounds and three assists. Kate Head helped give UFV a balanced attack, scoring 11 points.

The Bisons, who shot just 25.4 per cent from the field, were led offensively by Emma Thompson (12 points) and Claire Harvey (10).