UNBC has said “good bye” to the PacWest Athletic Association by winning the provincial championship in both men’s and women’s basketball. Next season, UNBC will begin its first season as a member of the Canada West conference in Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS).
 
“It’s a special thing for our program and the University to make the jump to CIS and leave PacWest at the top,” said UNBC men’s coach Todd Jordan after his team followed the women in beating Vancouver Island University to win gold. The final score was 69-61. Joel Rybachuk was UNBC’s player of the game, Francis Rowe and Sam Raphael were named to the tournament all-star team, and Rowe was additionally picked tournament MVP.
 
Earlier in the evening, the UNBC women also beat VIU to win gold, posting a 62-53 victory. Jennifer Clyne and Mercedes Van Koughnett were named to the championship all-star team with Van Koughnett also selected as tournament MVP.
 
“I’m extremely proud of this group of young ladies. They showed composure and toughness that we really needed tonight against a very talented VIU team,” says women’s head coach Loralyn Murdoch, who earlier in the week was named PacWest coach of the year.
 
“I’m so happy for our players, their families, and fans,” says UNBC President George Iwama, who attended both gold medal games at Capilano University in North Vancouver. “Together with our amazing fans and alumni, and with the drummers leading us, we cheered each offensive drive and defensive effort. It paid off: gold for both. We all left hoarse and happy.”
 
Both UNBC teams now move on to nationals: the women will go to Lethbridge, Alberta, while the men will travel to Truro, Nova Scotia. Both national tournaments will be held March 15-17.