SASKATOON, Sask. - The UBC Thunderbirds relentless defence stifled the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in the second half, powering them to a 83-52 victory this Saturday evening at the Physical Activity Complex in Saskatoon Saskatchewan.

Employing an aggressive zone defence, the Thunderbirds, led by Interim head coach Phil Jalalpoor, made excellent use of their length and athleticism, limiting the Huskies to just 21 points in the final 20 minutes. On the offensive end, it was fourth year forward Nikola Guzina who was the driving force for UBC, scoring an efficient 22 points on 10-13 shooting from the field. The Thunderbirds size also made an impact on the glass and in the paint. UBC finished with a 41-28 rebounding advantage, including 12 offensive rebounds resulting in 13 second chance points. They also made their living down low, registering 46 points in the point during the contest.

Tonight's game opened similarly to yesterday's matchup, with both teams matching each other's output through the first two quarters of play. Neither team shot particularly well in the first half, a credit to the strong zone defence from both teams. After two quarters, Saskatchewan would finish with just a 38.7% clip, while UBC didn't fare much better at 38.8%. 

Huskie big man Easton Thimm, who led the way for Saskatchewan with 16 points on the night, had his work cut out for him, frequently seeing double and sometimes triple teams every time he touched the ball in the post. The starting guards for the Huskies, Mahadhi and Bonsu took on the offensive load early on, probing the Thunderbirds defence and creating some high quality opportunities for their teammates from beyond the arc. However, Saskatchewan was unable to capitalize, hitting just three of their 11 attempts from three point land in the first half. This would be the story of the game for the Huskies, as they would stay cold from three, missing all eight of their attempts in the second half.

For the Thunderbirds it was Guzina who bullied the Huskies in the paint, often getting favourable mismatches, due to rotations in Saskatchewan's zone. Despite a 14 point first half scoring burst from Guzina, the Huskies strategy paid off early, as UBC would fail to make a three the entire first half, ending the second quarter up just three, 34-31.

After jumping out to a five point lead to open the fourth quarter UBC was able to get Guzina some much needed rest. With their big man on the bench, the Thunderbirds were able to hold serve, leading 43-38 when Guzina checked back into the game at 2:55 remaining in the third. Caught with Easton Thimm on the bench, the Huskies were forced to double Guzina in the post leading to a 14-0 run for the Thunderbirds, including threes from Nylan Roberts, Edourd Gauthier and Zeru Abera. Extending the lead to 57-38 with 9:00 minutes to play in the game.

UBC's shooting would continue to be the difference the rest of the way, closing the game on a 26-12 run, while shooting 11-13 and 2-3 from beyond the arc. The final score would read 83-52 Thunderbirds.

The Huskies will aim to get back in the win column as they continue their home stand next weekend, as they host the 5-5 Brandon Bobcats for a pair of games at the PAC. UBC will continue their road trip, albeit much closer to home, as they take on the 3-7 UBCO Heat.