KAMLOOPS - Trinity Western fell the second night of a back to back against the TRU Wolfpack, with the final score being 81-66.

After a frustrating game on Friday night, the Spartans were looking to bounce back against the undefeated Wolfpack. Unfortunately, that was not the case, as the scoring struggles continued. After a good first quarter, the Spartans had trouble getting the offense going, and the defense was not strong enough to contain the Wolfpack.  

David Mutabazi (Delta, B.C.) had a team high 11 points, and also dished out five assists. Connor Platz (Langley, B.C.) also had 11 points, and was one rebound shy of a double double. For the Wolfpack, rookie Cason Scott had a career night, scoring 28 points. Jayden Stephens was next up with 14. 

NOTABLES

• Trinity Western shot the ball well from deep, knocking down 12 threes at 37.5%, which gave them a clear efficiency edge over Thompson Rivers from beyond the arc.

• The Spartans only shot seven free throws

• Despite being outrebounded 41–31, TWU held their ground defensively with 26 defensive rebounds, slightly more than TRU.

• Turnovers were a major hurdle, as the Spartans committed 19 giveaways, which contributed to a 27–22 disadvantage in points off turnovers.

• Second-chance opportunities were hard to come by, with TWU securing only 5 offensive rebounds compared to TRU's 17, giving the opposition a significant advantage in extra possessions.

• The bench provided a strong boost, contributing 23 points and outperforming TRU's second unit by a wide margin.

• Defensively, TWU protected the rim well, finishing with 5 blocks, more than doubling Thompson Rivers' total.

• Ball movement remained a positive, as the Spartans recorded 16 assists, keeping pace with TRU despite the turnover issues.

• TWU held the lead briefly—just 1:31 overall—and never by more than two points, spending most of the night playing from behind.

• Even under pressure, the Spartans maintained solid offensive efficiency, shooting 44.4% from the field, slightly better than Thompson Rivers.

UP NEXT

The Spartans head back home to Langley next week, taking on the UBCO Heat at home. Game time at the Langley Events Centre is set for 8 p.m. (PT) and can be seen live on Canada West TV.

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 and women's and men's disc golf. 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 CIS 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.  

-TW-