MBB: Timberwolves at TRU

Men's Basketball
November 20, 2019
Saja Gosal

Canada West Men’s Basketball Preview: UNBC @ TRU

November 22, 2019 at 5:00 P.M.
November 23, 2019 at 7:00 P.M.

UNBC Timberwolves - Record (3-3)

9th in Canada West Standings
80.0 Points Scored Per Game
86.8 Points Allowed Per Game
Scoring Leader: Tyrell Laing (22.0 Per Game)
Rebounding Leader: Fareed Shittu (8.2 Per Game)
Assists Leader: Vova Pluzhnikov (5.7 Per Game)
Steals Leader: Vova Pluzhnikov (1.5 Per Game)
Blocks Leader: Fareed Shittu (1.0 Per Game)

Player To Watch: Fareed Shittu, F
8.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.0 BPG, 1.0 SPG

In just six games in a UNBC jersey, Shittu has quickly made a significant impact and endeared himself to Timberwolves fans. An explosive athlete, the freshman product of Edmonton has made an impact at both ends of the floor. He will have his hands full against a WolfPack lineup loaded with power forwards.

TRU WolfPack - Record (5-1)

1st in Canada West Standings
86.8 Points Scored Per Game
72.0 Points Allowed Per Game
Scoring Leader: Joe Davis (18.5 Per Game)
Rebounding Leader: Micheal Rouault (9.8 Per Game)
Assists Leader: Joe Davis (3.2 Per Game)
Steals Leader: Micheal Rouault (1.5 Per Game)
Blocks Leader: Keith Rojhae Colbert, Joe Davis (0.8 Per Game)

Player To Watch: Joe Davis, F
18.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.2 SPG

In his fifth year of Canada West basketball, Davis has emerged as the go-to guy for TRU. A Kamloops product, Davis has a frame that allows him to attack the rim, but the range to create matchup issues. The TWolves will need to contain the six-foot-six forward if they want to slow the Pack. 

Quotes:

UNBC’s Saje Gosal

On the matchup with the WolfPack…
“We always have a high degree of respect for TRU. Every year, they’re an extremely well coached team with a ton of talent, and this year is no exception. They've come out of the gate hot.”

On feel in the locker room after last weekend…
“We definitely have a redefined sense of what it takes to succeed at this level after this weekend and guys are in the gym grinding this week. We are incredibly optimistic about the year, but it'll take consistent commitment.”

On perspective as a fifth year…
“My perspective has altered greatly from my first year to my fifth. I'm trying to enjoy and embrace each day with the team, and that manifests itself in holding nothing back in the energy I'm trying to bring to practice every day.”

On the state of the team…
“I think we are starting to develop an identity as a group, which sounds like something that comes naturally, but it is actually critical to success. Guys are understanding roles and flourishing in them. If we keep our common vision, and maintain this identity, we have unlimited potential for growth.”