Vancouver Island University’s women’s basketball team made it through fall with an unblemished record.
The VIU Mariners women completed a 6-0 start to the Pacific Western Athletic Association season after two big wins at the Vancouver Island University gym this past weekend.
The M’s women defeated the Langara Falcons 72-51 on Friday night, then crushed the Columbia Bible College Bearcats 91-27 on Saturday afternoon.
Tony Bryce, VIU coach, said no matter the opponent or the score, his team continues to try to work on the little things to improve. Players had a chance to do that in the game against Langara, as the opponent presented a different look defensively.
“That’s our first time we got to attack zone, so I wanted us to just share the ball and try to hit [shots] early and I think we did that, in spurts,” Bryce said. “We were pushing the ball ahead trying to get up before they got back.”
A good first-half record was just one of the team’s goals, the coach said.
“I wanted to be 5-1, 6-0. I just wanted to play well and I think if we play well, we have a chance to have success…” Bryce said. “The games that matter happen at the end of February, beginning of March. Those are the games you’re focused on and the focus is on trying to prepare for those.”
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Watched some VIU basketball tonight. Mariners women beat the Langara Falcons 72-51, then the VIU men beat Langara 103-83… #basketball pic.twitter.com/uOfoe7eBFG
— Greg Sakaki (@BulletinSports) November 17, 2018
In the Friday night game, Shayce Johnston was VIU’s top scorer with 14 points and Emma Platner added 12. Platner then led the way in the blowout win with 16 points. Emily Clarke added 13, Johnston had 12 points and 11 rebounds and Victoria Brown also scored 12.
As for the VIU men, they also ended the PacWest’s fall schedule with two wins. The Mariners beat the Falcons 103-83 on Friday night and followed up with an 89-79 victory the next day against the Bearcats.
In the first game, Tyus Barfoot starred with 30 points on 11-for-13 shooting, with 11 rebounds, and Harry Fayle added 17 points.
The next day it was Fayle with 29 points. Barfoot had another double-double with 14 points and 12 boards and Brett Christensen scored 15.
GAME ON … The PacWest season resumes Jan. 4 and the next home games at the VIU gym will be Jan. 11-12.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com
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