Spartans take two in preseason match up with Timberwolves
Prince George, BC - For the second night in a row the Trinity Western Spartans edged out the UNBC Timberwolves women's basketball team. The Spartans hung on to a narrow but convincing seven point lead to finish 79-73 ahead of the Timberwolves.
After a slow start to yesterday's game both the Timberwolves and the Spartans appeared to have shaken off the preseason rust. The teams traded possessions trying to get a foothold, Trinity Western eventually came out on top. With just 12 seconds left in the first quarter a UNBC turnover transitioned into two points for the Spartans in the way of a 21-19 scoreline.
In similar fashion to the first quarter in the second both teams continued to battle for a solid lead. By halftime the Timberwolves and Spartans had traded spots seven times with each only gaining at most a four point advantage. At the four minute make Mavia Nijjer put up a jumper to give the Timberwolves their first lead since the first quarter but it didn't last long. Two minutes later Jessica Brown drained her third trey of the game tying it up at 31. The Spartans found time for one more basket, putting them up 33-31 heading into the second half.
Stand out of the third quarter was Timberwolves rookie Vasiliki Louka. The Spartans pulled ahead early, amassing a 12 point lead only two minutes into the quarter. Louka answered from the post and pulled the Timberwolves back, scoring their next nine points. Louka brought her team back within three points, 54-51, of the Spartans. Luca Schmidt answered the Timberwolves comeback. A quick drive to the basket put Schmidt on the line, going one for two, her second shot was rebounded by Tessa Ratzlaff for a put-back bucket.
The Spartans amped up the pressure for the final ten minute stretch. Forced UNBC turnovers led to a 14-0 run for the Spartans and their biggest lead of the game, 21 points. With only four minutes left to play in the fourth the gap appeared too large but the Timberwolves snapped themselves out of their funk. They controlled the ball and slowly chipped away at the Spartans lead. At the final whistle the Trinity Western Spartans finished ahead of the UNBC Timberwolves 79-73.
Laurissa Weigl led the Spartans in scoring with 18 points, while Jessica Brown added 12, all from behind the arc. The Spartans continue their preseason trip in Prince George against the Grande Prairie Wolves Saturday at 4:00 p.m.
Vasiliki Louka led the Timberwolves, just narrowly missing a double-double with 18 points and nine rebounds. Mavia Nijjer also added 18 of her own, while Sarah Robin chipped in 14. The Timberwolves take the floor again on Sunday, September 28 against the Grande Prairie Wolves.
