The University of the Fraser Valley women's basketball team wrapped up an impressive weekend with a second straight win over the UBC Okanagan Heat, prevailing 77-53 on Saturday at the Envision Financial Athletic Centre.
The Cascades had ridden a strong second half to
a 78-49 triumph on Friday, and they controlled Saturday's rematch from the outset, reeling off a game-opening 11-2 run and cruising from there to square their record at 2-2. UBCO fell to 1-5.
"I thought we did a better job of moving the ball tonight," Cascades head coach
Al Tuchscherer said afterward. "We played with better pace, pushed the ball up the floor, got in behind their defence a little bit early and got some easy buckets. That was good to see. It was closer tonight to how we want to play, especially that first half."
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The Cascades' starting forwards,
Taylor Claggett and
Deanna Tuchscherer, got the hosts off to a great start, combining for nine of UFV's first 11 points. The lead was 22-9 at the end of the first quarter, and the Cascades continued to pull away from there, utilizing their depth to great effect.
UFV continued to expand the lead in the second half, peaking at 34 points (76-42) after
Amanda Thompson hit a pair of free throws with five minutes left in the fourth quarter.
The Heat – shorthanded with five players sidelined due to injury – had a strong finish to the game, closing things out on an 11-1 run behind some full-court pressure.
Claggett had a huge night for the Cascades, racking up 24 points including 8-for-8 from the foul line.
Deanna Tuchscherer scored 13 points, and
Veronica Kobes and
Maddy Gobeil both scored in double digits with 10 points apiece. The UFV squad turned in a solid defensive performance, forcing 31 turnovers.
Kasey Patchell, with 14 points, paced the Heat.
The Cascades are at home next weekend for a Friday-Saturday set with the Lethbridge Pronghorns.
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