PRINCE GEORGE – A 9-0 run by the Manitoba Bisons gave them the lead late in the third, but the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves made the final push in a 90-82 win Saturday at the Charles Jago Northern Sports Centre.

Emma Thompson led the Herd with a great night from deep, making seven threes to score 23 points. Taylor Randall had 21 points, seven assists, and two rebounds in support.

"Three-point shooting is a massive part of our offence. We look to get inside and look for kick-outs. It's very important for our team to shoot well," said Thompson.

UNBC had three players break the 20-point mark, led by fourth-year post Maria Mongomo, who had 25 points and 17 rebounds.

Mongomo led the charge for the Timberwolves in the opening quarter, shooting 6-7 from the field, including 3-3 from behind the three-point line for a quarter-high 15 points, and four rebounds. The home team held a 25-15 lead after ten minutes.

A strong second quarter from Friday's hero, Taylor Randall, helped the Bisons cut into the deficit. The third-year guard made a number of contested shots, and the score stood 45-36 at halftime.

The Bisons made it a game late in the third quarter, going on their run to cap the stanza. A Tianna Mighty fast break layup gave Manitoba their first lead of the game with a second left in the frame, after a pair of three-pointers from Emma Thompson. The strong offensive surge saw them come all the way back and take a 62-60 lead heading in to the final frame.

The Timberwolves came out firing to start the fourth, led by Mongomo, Madison Landry and Vasiliki Louka. The highest scoring trio in U SPORTS last season showed their offensive chops as the 'Wolves looked to seal a victory in front of their home crowd.

Crucial points late in the game by Alina Shakirova helped the big three, and the score at the end of the night read 90-82 in favour of the Timberwolves.

"Three-point shooting is a massive part of our offence. We look to get inside and look for kick-outs. It's very important for our team to shoot well" said Emma Thompson.

The victory pushed the Timberwolves to 9-5 on the season, while the Bisons fall to 6-8.

"Manitoba is a tough team. They are hard on you defensively, and there are no easy buckets. They are a very good team, and their record doesn't show how good they truly are," said Vasiliki Louka of the Timberwolves.

Manitoba now returns home for their first home game since November 24, as they host Trinity Western next weekend. UNBC will take on Alberta on the road.