LANGLEY - The Spartans dropped a tough matchup with the #1 ranked Vikes on Friday, with a final score of 90-67.

With key pieces David Mutabazi and Logan Stewart out of the lineup, the Spartans knew they had a tough task ahead of them. The Spartans managed to hold the Vikes to under 40 points in the first half, and even lead the game going into the second half. They could not hold off the Vikes shooting off for long, as they knocked down 8 threes in the third quarter, blowing the game wide open. 

Tyus Devries (Chilliwack, B.C.), Jack Vandenberg (Vancouver, B.C.), and Marcus Shankar (Campbell River, B.C.) all tied with a team high of 15 points. All three shot over 40% from the field. Shadynn Smid led the Vikes with an efficient 23 points. 

QUOTABLE

TWU Head Coach Trevor Pridie, 

"I'm proud of how our guys came out and competed in the first half. We were connected, we defended, we shared the ball, and we played with confidence against the number one team in the country.

In the second half, we didn't sustain that level of execution or toughness. Against a team like that, every possession matters, and we let a few breakdowns turn into momentum."

NOTABLES

• Perimeter shooting kept TWU within reach, as they knocked down 10 three-pointers at a 37.0% clip, helping stretch the defense and create offensive rhythm.

• Free-throw efficiency was a positive, with Trinity Western converting 90.0% from the line, capitalizing on scoring opportunities when chances were available.

• Rebounding effort was solid, as TWU pulled down 38 boards and stayed engaged on the defensive glass, limiting extended second possessions when possible.

• Defensively, Trinity Western created transition chances, forcing 9 turnovers and scoring 13 points off turnovers to generate momentum.

• Fastbreak execution was effective, with TWU scoring 16 fastbreak points by pushing tempo and attacking before the defense was set.

• Interior defense held firm at times, keeping Victoria to 18 points in the paint and limiting easy scoring opportunities around the rim.

• Ball movement showed potential, though assist numbers (12) reflected challenges in consistently breaking down Victoria's defense.

UP NEXT

The Spartans run it back with the Vikes on Saturday, January 17th at the Langley Events Centre. Game time is set for 6:00 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.  

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