It wasn’t pretty but it was certainly effective.
The UNBC Timberwolves scratched, clawed, and muddied the waters on Saturday en route to a 66-64 upset win over the fourth-ranked Winnipeg Wesmen in Canada West women’s basketball at the Northern Sports Centre.
Fifth-year guard Alina Shakirova proved clutch again for the T-Wolves (5-9) who netted a game-high 21 points and six rebounds.
Her fellow Russian teammate Sveta Boykova was an absolute beast on the glass at both ends of the court notching an astounding 21 rebounds to go along with a 10-point performance.
The Timberwolves built a nine-point lead after three quarters however, the Wesman pushed hard in the fourth quarter, outsourcing UNBC 21-14.
Winnipeg was led by reigning U-SPORTS women’s basketball Player of the Week Robyn Boulanger who had 20 points.
Kyanna Giles, who is among the top three scorers in Canada West was held to 14 points and 12 rebounds.
In men’s action, UNBC stuck with Winnipeg for two and a half quarters before the visitors found another gear and pulled away in the second half.
Winnipeg cruised to a 94-72 triumph over the T-Wolves (5-9).
Once again, second-year Spanish post Mikhail Mikhailov proved too much for UNBC, hooping 25 points, and nine rebounds.
His teammate, Alberto Gordo with 16 points and five rebounds.
Fareed Shittu notched a game-high 27 points and 11 rebounds in a losing effort for UNBC who has dropped six straight games to open 2023.
To be fair though, UNBC has had the toughest schedule post-Christmas playing Manitoba (13-1), Victoria (12-2), and Winnipeg (11-3) all in a row.
All three teams have a combined record of 36-6.
Both UNBC varsity teams are in Calgary next weekend to take on the Mount Royal Cougars.
The Cougars are 7-7 in the men’s standings; 8-6 in women’s play.