WINNIPEG – The Trinity Western Spartans dropped a 101-73 decision to the Winnipeg Wesmen Saturday night at the Duckworth Centre in Winnipeg, but the story of the night for the Spartans was second-year centre Connor Platz (Langley, B.C.) setting two Canada West block records. With his six blocks, Platz becomes the Canada West record holder for total blocks, 57, in a season and blocks per game, 2.85, in a season.
 
The loss gives the Spartans a final CW conference record of 12-8, while the Wesmen finish at 15-5
 
The Wesmen dominated the game throughout, outscoring the Spartans in every quarter. Leading 47-34 at the half, before breaking open the game with a 30-19 third quarter to lead 77-53 heading into the final 10 minutes.
 
Vlad Mihaila (Surrey, B.C.) with 17 points and Josh Belvin (Long Beach, Calf.) with 11 points led the Spartans in scoring, while Mikhail Mikhailov with 25 points, and Alberto Gordo with 14 points led the Wesmen.
 
QUOTABLE
Trevor Pridie – TWU Head Coach
"We didn't have the sense of urgency we had yesterday, but going to Winnipeg and getting the split was what we needed to do. Would have been nice to cap off a great regular season with a win but now we move on to focus on playoffs. Proud of the season we had, and the culture continuing to change and move in a positive direction."
 
On Connor Platz
"Very excited for Connor to set the record for blocks in a season and blocks per game. He is such a talented player with a bright future in basketball. Excited to see what he accomplishes over the next few years."
 
NOTABLE
• With his six blocked shots, Platz now had 57 blocks on the season The Canada West record was 56 (Myron Dean, MB,08-09, Greg Stewart, TRU, 10-11). The CW record was 2.65 (Brett Layton, MRU,15-16).
• TWU defeated Winnipeg 80-66 last night.
• TWU is 14-16 lifetime against Winnipeg.
• The Spartans shot 37.7 percent (26-69) from the field, 33.3 percent (9-27) from the three-point line and 85.7 percent (12-14) from the foul line. While the Wesmen shot 50 percent (40-80), 42.9 percent (12-28), and 69.2 percent (9-13) respectively.
• The Wesmen had a 43-42 edge in rebounds.
 
UP NEXT
The Spartans and Wesmen have now concluded CW conference play. Canada West play-offs will begin next weekend with the Spartans' opponent and location to be determined.
 
About Spartan Athletics
As official members of U SPORTS, the Spartans currently compete in 13 sports in the Canada West conference, including women's and men's soccer, volleyball, basketball, hockey, cross country and track & field, as well as women's rugby sevens. TWU also competes as an independent team in men's rugby. Since TWU entered U SPORTS in 1999, the Spartans have won 13 U SPORTS team championships and 32 Canada West team championships.
 
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