NEWS RELEASES

MEN'S BASKETBALL UPDATE

The trip was an outstanding experience both on and off the floor. The players had a fantastic time and the games were exactly what we were looking for. We saw a tonne of pressure and mostly zone defense which was perfect for us. As the games went on we were much better against both.

We opened with the host SJCC on Dec 27th. We came out playing very well and matching their intensity. SJCC then decided to get after us in the full court. The pressure was overwhelming at first and we were down by 12 at the half. We were able to settle down a bit versus the intense pressure in the second half and slowly began to chip away at the lead. In the end we had battled all the way back and had a good look at a 3 pt shot to tie. Unfortunately it rimmed out and we lost 61-58. Henry Bui and Jacob Thom both had solid games with 21 and 16, and Patrick McCarthy and Fraser Thompson were solid on the glass with 8 each.

In the second game, we faced Cerritos College. It was a must win game for us as the tourney was a double knockout format. If we lost we would spend the next morning on the track for two hours instead of on the court. So it was very much like a playoff game situation, where you must win to continue. Cerritos came out shooting the ball very well and we found ourselves behind. We settled down and it was a back and forth game most of the way. We ended up executing and getting some solid stops and rebounding down the stretch which led to a very hard fought 71-65 win. Patrick McCarthy was outstanding with at double-double (12 points and 11 boards). Very balanced attack overall helped lead to a must win.

In the final game we played a very talented LA Southwest team. They came out with much more energy than us, kicking us on the glass and the result was a 10 point deficit at the half. The start of the second half did not look much different and before long we were down 20. Yes it was the third game in three days after a month off, but I was not about to let them use that as an excuse. I have to give the guys credit as they did not fold and responded to my challenge. The comeback was on. Joel Bron was wripping the zone inside and out, and Fraser Thompson was playing on the rim, throwing down 3 thunderous dunks. Before long it was a four point game with 31 seconds. We go for a steal and foul and they make both. A third dunk by Thompson makes it a 2 point game with 11 seconds left. Full court pressure results in a turnover and Jacob Thom attacks the rim and into contact....waiting for the call and it is offensive. Tough call but gutsy effort by the boys from VIU. LA Southwest hits 2 more free throws for a 71-67 win.

Overall an outstanding trip. The games could not have been any better for us with regards to preparation for a tough second half of the season. We were able to take in and NBA game, a couple NCAA games and a day trip to San Francisco including a tour of Alcatraz. A lot of laughs and a lot of memories made on this trip.