Abbotsford, B.C. – The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades battled all night, but came up one shot short in their season opening game against the UBC Thunderbirds on Thursday at the UFV Athletic Centre. The Cascades, who came in ranked 11 in the annual Canada West Coaches poll dropped a 75-72 decision to the Thunderbirds who were placed at No. 2 in that same list.

With the win UBC moves to 1-0 on the season, while UFV drops to 0-1. 
 
How It Happened: 
The Cascades came out strong to start the season, holding an 18-16 lead after the opening quarter thanks in part two six pints from Dario Lopez, and five from Marcus Flores. 

UBC stormed back in the second quarter, scoring by committee, to head into the halftime break up 38-33.

Neither team took hold of the game in the third, as the teams each put 23 points up in the frame, to set up an exciting finish in the fourth. The Thunderbirds opened up a seven point lead early in the quarter, before UFV stormed back to tie it at 67 on a Dario Lopez jumper. UBC's Adam Olsen responded with a triple to finish off a short run and reestablish a seven-point margin, but the Cascades refused to go away, scoring four-straight free throws to get within a shot. Unfortunately that would be as close as they would come, as the team was unable to get a late shot off and UBC held on for the win.

Top Performers:
 Dario Lopez led the Cascades with 19 points and six boards, while Uyi Ologhola had a strong night at both ends of the court posting 15 points and three steals. Takeshi Croke added nine points and six steals.

UBC got 16 points and 11 rebounds from Nikola Guzina, while Olsen notched 12 points and Micah Jessie had 11.
 
Quotable:
UFV guard Uyi Ologhola

"Obviously it's upsetting losing the game, but overall I think we battled really hard. That's the best game that we have had through the whole preseason, and our defence was on point. Honestly it was just the free throws that lost us the game."

"Now we have to take the good, and review video. We know Victoria next is a top team, but I know we'll be ready."

Up Next:
The Cascades now head on the road to finish off their opening weekend of games, as they head to Victoria for a battle with the Vikes on Saturday at 7pm. The game can be seen live and on demand at gocascades.ca