Friday, Nov. 12: Cascades (2-2, T-3rd in West Division) vs. Thompson Rivers WolfPack (2-2, T-3rd in West Division), 8 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 13: Cascades vs. WolfPack, 5 p.m.
UFV Athletic Centre
Webcast: CanadaWest.tv presented by Co-op
Radio: CIVL 101.7 FM (Saturday game only)

THE MATCH-UP

It's still early in the season, but given that the Cascades and WolfPack find themselves tied in the standings, it's no stretch to say that this weekend's games could be influential in determining playoff seeding when it's all said and done.

RECENT FORM

In a tough road match-up vs. the U SPORTS No. 4-ranked UBC Thunderbirds last weekend, the Cascades gave themselves chances to win both nights, only to drop a pair of decisions by scores of 70-64 and 80-72. UFV's new-look roster seems to be gelling quickly, and they'll look to continue that progress this weekend vs. TRU.

The WolfPack have split each of their first two weekend series of the campaign. They've played UNBC three times already, going 1-2 vs. the Timberwolves, to go with an win over UBC Okanagan.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Dario Lopez, UFV – The Cascades have shown impressive scoring depth, with eight players averaging at least seven points per game thus far. One of those is Lopez, a rookie forward from Spain who is averaging 9.8 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 50 per cent from the field. He ranks 10th among U SPORTS rookies in points per game.

Brendan Sullivan, TRU – The third-year guard leads the WolfPack in scoring, averaging 15.0 points per game, highlighted by a career-high 30-point outburst in a win over UNBC on Oct. 30.

QUOTABLE

"We learned we can hang with anyone in the country. Defensively we were solid – UBC was averaging 96 points coming in, and we were able to limit them both nights. We had some guys step up and play some big minutes. Right now we're No. 2 in Canada West in assists as a team – we're moving the rock well, passing up good shots and looking for even better ones." ­– Cascades forward Kyle Claggett, on what his team learned about itself last weekend vs. UBC

"We've got to rebound the ball like crazy against TRU… if we win the glass, it will go a long way. And offensively, if we execute like we did against UBC, we'll be in a very good position." – Claggett, on what the Cascades need to do well vs. the WolfPack