WBB: Timberwolves at Calgary Playoff Preview

Women's Basketball
February 18, 2020

Canada West Basketball Playoff Preview: UNBC Timberwolves @ Calgary Dinos

*Winner will play winner of Alberta vs UFV on Friday, February 21st in Calgary

February 20th, 2020 at 5 PM PT

UNBC Timberwolves - Record (11-9)
9th in Canada West Standings
73.6 Points Scored Per Game (4th)
69.3 Points Allowed Per Game (10th)
Scoring Leader: Maria Mongomo (20.1 Per Game)
Rebounding Leader: Emma vanBruinessen (10.2 Per Game)
Assists Leader: Emily Holmes (3.9 Per Game)
Steals Leader: Maria Mongomo (3.4 Per Game)
Blocks Leader: Emma vanBruinessen (0.6 Per Game)


Player To Watch: Madison Landry, G
19.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.9 SPG

Coming off a UNBC playoff record 30-point effort last week against the Lethbridge Pronghorns, Landry will need to continue to be assertive against a Dinos team that doesn’t allow many good looks. The Prince George product was third in Canada West scoring this year, but Calgary will throw plenty of different looks and double teams at her as she gets to her spots.


Calgary Dinos - Record (18-2)
1st in Canada West Standings
73.8 Points Scored Per Game (3rd)
57.4 Points Allowed Per Game (2nd)
Scoring Leader: Liene Stalidzane (14.8 Per Game)
Rebounding Leader: Erin McIntosh (5.6 Per Game)
Assists Leader: Clara Tapia Palacio (3.3 Per Game)
Steals Leader: Sascha Lichtenwald (2.1 Per Game)
Blocks Leader: Erin McIntosh (1.1 Per Game)

Player To Watch: Liene Stalidzane, G
14.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.0 APG, 2.0 SPG

An elite guard who can fill it up from beyond the arc, Stalidzane is a crucial part of Calgary’s rotation. The Dinos’ leading scorer, the Latvian was third in Canada West in three-pointers made, while also managing to play great defense, and operate in Damian Jennings’ well-balanced approach. The Timberwolves will need to limit the third-year’s open looks, if they want to contain the Dinos attack.


Quotes:
UNBC’s Emma vanBruinessen

On the nine game winning streak, despite a short bench…
“This weekend is definitely going to be difficult and we are all tired. With the possibility of only having one game left, there are really no excuses to not give 100 percent effort. We can rest when the season is over.”


On the matchup with Calgary…
“The Dinos have a number of key players. McIntosh, Colburn, and Stalidzane have put up big numbers all season and it’s going to be important we shut them down. We are playing in their home gym this weekend yet again, and we know the crowd is not going to be in our favour. It’s going to be important to focus on us this weekend.”

On keys to success in a one-game elimination playoff matchup…
“It’s going to be important we play as a team. Both on offense, finding the best looks and defensively, getting key stops. With our small bench, everyone is going to need to chip in as much as they can. It’s a single game knock out so we have nothing to save ourselves for.”


On the program taking another step forward…
“This team’s competitiveness grows every year. This season, girls have had to step into roles they may not have been comfortable in, coming into the season. Ultimately, having a short bench has allowed a number of players to develop immensely. This is going to be even more evident next year and in years to come. With a team full of confident scorers and tough defenders, there is no doubt this program has a bright future.”