GAME INFORMATION

Date: Friday, Feb 18 & Saturday, Feb. 19
Opponent: Winnipeg Wesmen
Time: 6:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.
Location: Saskatoon, Sask.
Venue: Physical Activity Complex
Watch: Canadawest.tv

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SASKATOON — While there were wasn't a U SPORTS Top 10 released this week, if there was, there is no doubt these two programs would be ranked inside the top-ten in the nation.

The University of Saskatchewan Huskies and Winnipeg Wesmen sit atop the Canada West — and the east division — with matching 13-1 records.

This is a tale of the two best. Saskatchewan's 52.6 points-per-game against is the fewest in the conference, while Winnipeg's 84.4 points-per-game leads the Canada West. 

We'll see what gives this weekend.

The programs split their pair of prior matchups this season, after Saskatchewan bounced back from a 72-64 loss, picking up a 69-53 win in the series finale back in January, as each program handed their opposition their first of the 2021-22 season.

With being at the top of the conference comes raised stakes. 

The 17-team Canada West playoff tournament gets underway on Mar. 4. Whoever finishes as the first-seed in regular season earns the right to take on the winner between the conferences eight and nine-seed for the right to advance to the Canada West Final Four — a tournament that would be hosted by the top remaining seed. 

The Huskies have hosted five of the last seven Canada West Championship games at the PAC — they've won them all. They'd love to have the same opportunity once again this season.

But first things first, the Wesmen are waiting on deck. While the Huskies have won seven of the last nine meetings, this is a dangerous team in 2021-22. Three of the conference's top-ten scorers are on Winnipeg. Kelyn Filewich and Kyanna Giles rank fourth and fifth with 17.9 and 17.7 points-per-game respectively, while Faith Hezekiah ranks eighth in the Canada West. Shutting down the talented trio will be top of mind for Thomaidis and company this weekend. 

Saturday night's contest will serve as an opportunity to honour a trio of fifth-years in Libby Epoch, Summer Masikewich and Janaya Brown, as well as fellow graduating players Claudia Lomba Viana and Erin Kehrig. The five national champions will play their final pair of regular-season games at the PAC this weekend. 

Thoughts from Thomaidis:

Thomaidis on the impending showdown for first-place:

"Last games this season, it's crazy how fast it's come upon us. And I think it's just so good for our team to be playing a team like Winnipeg, who is tied with us a top of the standings. It's great to be playing against the best teams at the end of the season."

Thomaidis on pursuing the top-seed in the Canada West and the possibility of playing another Final Four at the PAC:

"I mean, it's always kind of at the back of your mind. You want to finish at the top of the standings going into playoffs and have the opportunity to host some playoff games. So, definitely there's some importance to the weekend, but first and foremost is we have to win Friday night. They're a tough team."

Thomaidis on the impending matchup and what she learned from the last meeting:

"I think we're always trying to get better. They're a tough team to match up and slow down defensively, so that'll be a focus.  They play a very different style of defense, I guess I can say. For us being able to get comfortable and get into a flow that way, and to attack them with some level of comfort will be key."

Thomaidis on fifth-year night and honouring the likes of Epoch, Masikewich and Brown:

"Fifth-year night's always such a big night for us. We've had some amazing fifth years come through the program. To have those three and then two others that are graduating, it's such a special night to be able to just highlight all their accomplishments and what they've meant to this program. It'll be great to be able to have people in the stands to have their family and friends here. It's just a huge honour and great to be part of that and give them their moment in front of our home crowd."

5 Things: 

1. Lisa Thomaidis is looking to lead the Huskies to their 12th consecutive U SPORTS Final 8 appearance and their fifth conference title in the last six seasons
2. Saskatchewan's 36.5 percent clip from beyond-the-arc is best in the Canada West, which has helped them outscore their opponents 1,128-749 this season
3. While the Wesmen have two of the top-five scorers, Masikewich and Carly Ahlstrom rank third and seventh in conference scoring with 18.5 and 16.9 points-per-game this season
4. Masikewich is five made free throws away from moving into second in the Huskies all-time record books 
5. Meanwhile, with a big weekend Epoch could cement her status in the record books, as her 393 career assists is second all-time. With 16 dimes this weekend, Epoch would become the Huskies all-time leader in assists