ABBOTSFORD, B.C. – The UBC Thunderbirds turned in a stingy defensive performance after halftime, powering an 80-63 victory over the University of the Fraser Valley men's basketball team on Friday evening.

The T-Birds limited the Cascades to 22 points in the second half and 32.9 per cent shooting from the field for the game, boosting their record to 9-2 in Canada West play while dropping the Cascades to 3-6.

Friday's result drew UBC head coach Kevin Hanson even with former Alberta Golden Bears bench boss Don Horwood for the most regular-season wins in Canada West men's basketball history at 313. He has a chance to take sole possession of the record on Saturday as the T-Birds and Cascades wrap up the weekend series at the Envision Financial Athletic Centre (7 p.m., CanadaWest.tv presented by Co-op).

"I'd like to give our defence full credit for it, but I certainly think they also missed some open shots at the same time," Hanson said afterward. "I think tonight was a little bit of feeling out for each other – the first game back after the December break can be a tough one. Fatigue can play a factor, you're not in rhythm and sync with each other. But obviously you'll take the numbers defensively that we held them to in the second half."

The Cascades had a solid start, leading 12-10 after Sukhjot Bains's three-pointer, but the T-Birds responded with a 15-3 run – highlighted by five points from Jadon Cohee – to seize control. The hosts hung tough in the second quarter, and were within 49-41 at the break.

UBC locked it down on defence in the third, holding UFV to 12 points in the frame. They put together a 12-2 run over the last three minutes to take a 70-53 lead into the fourth, and they kept the Cascades at bay from there.

The T-Birds also had a subpar shooting night from the field (36.1 per cent) but did most of their damage at the foul line. They amassed a 31-8 edge in free throw attempts, hitting 26 (83.9 per cent).

UBC sent aggressive double-teams at UFV stars Parm Bains and Sukhjot Bains throughout the game, but the Cascades' supporting cast was unable to take full advantage of the extra space afforded to them.

"I just think we need to be a little more consistent, keep our composure, and understand that if we do the things we are capable of doing, the opportunity for success is going to be there," UFV head coach Adam Friesen said.

Kenan Hadzovic paced the Cascades with 11 points, Sukhjot Bains scored 10, and Parm Bains had nine points on a trio of three-pointers.

Manroop Clair's 18 points were a game high for UBC, and Grant Shepherd (15 points), Cohee (14), Zack Moore (12) and Taylor Browne (10) also scored in double figures.