Trinity Western @ UNBC: Men's Basketball Preview

Men's Basketball
February 18, 2022

UNBC Men’s Basketball Preview
Saturday, February 19th vs Trinity Western Spartans at 3 PM

UNBC Timberwolves - Record (5-11)
5th in West Division Standings
76.3 Points Scored Per Game
83.9 Points Allowed Per Game
Scoring Leader: Tyrell Laing (19.2 Per Game)
Rebounding Leader: Fareed Shittu (7.8 Per Game)
Assists Leader: Vova Pluzhnikov (4.5 Per Game)
Steals Leader: Fareed Shittu (1.2 Per Game)
Blocks Leader: Fareed Shittu (1.7 Per Game)

Player To Watch: Spencer Ledoux, F
11.4 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.0 APG

TWU Spartans - Record (8-9)
4th in West Division Standings
84.2 Points Scored Per Game
88.2 Points Allowed Per Game
Scoring Leader: Ja’Qualyn Gilbreth (27.2 Per Game)
Rebounding Leader: Mason Bourcier (9.2 Per Game)
Assists Leader: Mason Bourcier (7.9 Per Game)
Steals Leader: Mason Bourcier (2.4 Per Game)
Blocks Leader: Connor Platz (1.3 Per Game)

Player To Watch: Andrew Goertzen, F
7.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 0.9 SPG

Quotes:
UNBC’s Fareed Shittu

On the matchup with the Spartans…
“They move well. They’re really fast in transition, so if we ever turn the ball over or don’t get a stop, then they just run. I think they’re one of the most efficient offenses in the country, so we just need to do our job slowing them down.”

On slowing the Trinity attack…
“They have a couple really good drivers who can get in the lane, and there’s not too much you can really do to stop them. We have to be able to help, and then rotate to stop the shooters from getting easy catch-and-shoot three’s.”

On building momentum for the Canada West playoffs…
“I think it is really important. Going into these games, win or lose, just taking some good things out of it, and building on that so we are more prepared for the playoffs. It will be nice to be at home, maybe give them a taste of their own medicine.”


Milestone Watch

-Tyrell Laing scored his 1100th career Canada West point last week vs TWU
-Vova Pluzhnikov scored his 1000th career Canada West point last week vs TWU
-Fareed Shittu scored his 300th career Canada West point last week vs TWU
-Tyrell Laing made his 150th career Canada West 3-pointer last week vs TWU
-Vova Pluzhnikov made his 200th career Canada West free throw last week vs TWU
-Payton Tirrell scored his 100th career Canada West point last week vs UBCO
-Payton Tirrell needs nine rebounds to reach 100 for his Canada West career
-Fareed Shittu needs 16 rebounds to reach 300 for his Canada West career

-Vova Pluzhnikov needs two 3-pointers to reach 150 for his Canada West career
-Tyrell Laing needs six assists to reach 200 for his Canada West career