VICTORIA, B.C. - The Trinity Western Spartans fell short to the U SPORTS defending champions, losing 98-91 in their season opener Friday at CARSA. 

The Spartans got out to a good start, leading the Vikes for the majority of the first quarter, but slowly saw the lead dissipate as the game progressed. A late run by the Spartans allowed them to get within single digits, but they could not fully close the gap before time ran out. 

Fifth-year guard, David Mutabazi (Delta, B.C.) started his season with an efficient 26 points, making good on eight of his 14 shots. He also grabbed six rebounds to go along with four assists. Jack Vandenberg (Vancouver, B.C.) started off his year with a career high in scoring, with 21 points. Marcus Shankar (Campbell River, B.C.) also chipped in 16 points, and had an impressive night on the defensive end.

For the Vikes, Shaydnn Smid exploded for 36 points of his own, and Geoffrey James and Ethan Boag had 19 and 16 points themselves. 

UP NEXT

The Spartans will travel back home to Langley to host the UBC Thunderbirds for their home opener, Saturday night. Game time at the Langley Events Centre is set for 8 p.m. (PT) and can be seen live on Canada West TV.

QUOTABLE
Trevor Pridie, TWU Head Coach 

"We went toe-to-toe with the top in the country tonight, showing heart, grit and toughness. We have lots to build on with this group after tonight. Jack was fantastic in his first start with us, which isn't an easy task going up against the Vikes guards. David looked every bit like the player we expect him to be this season. What really stood out tonight was the togetherness and toughness this group played with. We never backed down and the bench was terrific. We're excited to get home tomorrow to kick off the year at LEC."

NOTABLE

• Trinity Western battled hard in a 98–91 road loss to Victoria, shooting 46.2 percent (30-of-65) from the field, 35.7 percent (10-of-28) from three-point range, and 75.0 percent (21-of-28) at the free-throw line. Victoria shot 50.7 percent (34-of-67) from the floor, 50.0 percent (10-of-20) from beyond the arc, and 87.0 percent (20-of-23) at the stripe.

• The Spartans held their own on the glass, matching the Vikes with 32 total rebounds. TWU grabbed 22 defensive boards and 10 on the offensive end, while Victoria finished with 21 defensive and 11 offensive rebounds. Trinity Western moved the ball efficiently, finishing with 14 assists, and also provided strong rim protection with four blocks compared to Victoria's two.

• Defensively, TWU forced 15 turnovers while committing 12 of their own. The Spartans turned those into 15 points off turnovers and recorded eight steals, while Victoria had nine. TWU also found ways to generate extra scoring opportunities, tying Victoria with 34 points in the paint and adding four fast-break points to none for the Vikes.

• The Spartans' bench made a major impact, outscoring Victoria's reserves 31–12. TWU also demonstrated composure through key stretches, leading for over seven minutes of game time and pulling ahead by as many as five points early in the contest.

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 14 U SPORTS team championships and 34 Canada West team championships.

About Trinity Western University
Recognized for quality, TWU has received seven consecutive A+ rankings for Quality of Teaching and Learning, holds three Canada Research Chairs, and wins national championships in U SPORTS. More importantly, lives are changed at TWU through its whole-person, Christ-centred approach to education. With a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and adult degree-completion programs, TWU equips leaders of character and competence to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

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