The UNBC Timberwolves left it all on the court.
With four graduating fifth-year players suiting up for the final time at the Northern Sport Centre, the T-Wolves took care of business against the MacEwan Griffins on Saturday completing a pair of weekend sweeps.
Thank you. #foreveratimberwolf pic.twitter.com/42MyYeQFmZ
— UNBC Athletics (@UNBCATHLETICS) February 9, 2020
In women’s action, UNBC rode the hot hand of Maria Mongomo who had 29 points in an 80-62 victory, claiming the Canada West women’s basketball scoring title in the process.
After the game, the Spanish guard told MyPGNow.com the effort was a by-product of the effort the team has put in over the past several weeks.
“I really appreciate it, and I think that it’s a good example of how working hard always gets a good result,”
“I’ve been working hard and focusing on what I had to do, and this was the result.”
Mongomo’s stellar effort also included 13 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals.
She also touched on the decision to leave her home country to come to UNBC five years ago.
“I just did it. I didn’t even think too much about it, I just went for it.”
“Basketball wise and school wise it has been great. I had to fight to do what I wanted to do. My coach has also allowed me to be myself both on and off the court and I really appreciate that.”
POSTGAME: The @canadawest scoring leader and steals leader, Maria Mongomo, talks about her incredible five-year run at with @UNBCWomensBball! pic.twitter.com/I5Hdi5ii2D
— UNBC Athletics (@UNBCATHLETICS) February 9, 2020
The Timberwolves blitzed MacEwan out of the gate, jumping out to leads of 23-9 after the first quarter as well as a 45-21 edge at halftime.
The final home game was extra special for Duchess Park graduate Emily Holmes who hooped 13 points.
Being a local product, the evening made everything come full circle.
“I think I can say that every year has been the best year for our team, every year I have gotten better as an individual so I have enjoyed every year more and this is the best one yet with us going back to the playoffs so it’s not quite over for us seniors, which is nice.”
“I remember when the Sport Centre first opened and I played during halftime with my minor basketball team at the Timberwolves game, I was born and raised into this sport through my parents they coached me and I did all the local programs so it’s actually really cool that it’s come full circle.”
POSTGAME: Following the final regular season game of her @CanadaWest career, hear from @UNBCWomensBball‘s @EmilyHolmes15! What a run for the @DPSSCondors product, who grew up playing @UNBC Jr Timberwolves! Congrats to The Little General!! pic.twitter.com/4sroTtnQA8
— UNBC Athletics (@UNBCATHLETICS) February 9, 2020
Emma vanBruinessen was a force again on the glass for the Timberwolves with 17 rebounds to go with seven points.
The win extends UNBC’s streak to eight games as they finish the regular season with a record of 11-9.
The Timberwolves travel to Lethbridge to play the Pronghorns Friday in the 8 vs 9 game.
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In men’s action, Saje Gosal and Anthony Hokanson saved the best for last recording 23 and 17 point outings in what was their final game of university basketball as UNBC dumped the Griffins 99-80.
Hokanson went 5-for-12 from three-point range in 33 minutes of action.
The Vancouver BC native stated that even though not making the playoffs is disappointing, it was nice to take some of the edge off.
“It felt very freeing, we all committed to each other that we would come out hard tonight and play as hard, free and as fun as we could and I think we did that very well.”
POSTGAME: Quite the way to go out, with 23 points and 9 boards in his final @CanadaWest game. Hear from fifth-year @UNBCBasketball forward Anthony Hokanson. pic.twitter.com/8W2L0K4f0M
— UNBC Athletics (@UNBCATHLETICS) February 9, 2020
Gosal on the other hand spoke about his sojourn through the game that took him through his hometown of Golden then to the Lower Mainland before ending up at UNBC.
“I am so proud to be from Golden. I come from a long line of basketball players and I am just so appreciative of everybody including my Dad who coached me and all the people I played basketball with made me into the player I am today.”
“It was super-special because my family has been with me every step of the way, my family has sacrificed a lot for me to get to this point so that I could perform in front of them today.”
POSTGAME: Fresh off making five 3-pointers in his final career @CanadaWest game, @UNBCBasketball senior @sajegosalBC7 talks about the game, the energy, and the city that made him. pic.twitter.com/NZ1JjW7lGZ
— UNBC Athletics (@UNBCATHLETICS) February 9, 2020
PGSS grad Tyrell Laing became the first UNBC men’s player to win the Canada West scoring title, averaging nearly 22 points per game.
Your @CanadaWest scoring champ!! Coming into the year @tyrelllaing had started just 7 games in his career. Last night, he became the first @UNBCBasketball player to lead CW in scoring. 21.9 PPG, and 437 points overall. From @PGSSATHLETICS to @UNBC, we are proud of you, Ty. pic.twitter.com/Age5SiUNIK
— UNBC Athletics (@UNBCATHLETICS) February 9, 2020
UNBC finishes the season 6-14, out of the playoffs where the final spot was taken by the Brandon Bobcats, a team that swept the Timberwolves two weeks ago at the Northern Sport Centre.
Deonte Doslov-Doctor had 18 points in his final game for MacEwan.