Box Score
 
LETHBRIDGE, ALTA. – In a thrilling battle between the number five ranked University of British Columbia Thunderbirds and the number twelfth ranked Mount Royal University Cougars, the Thunderbirds prevailed 77-72 to punch their ticket to the Canada West quarter-finals.
 
Entering the fourth quarter trailing 61-51, the Cougars would embark on a 7-0 run in the opening 70 seconds of the quarter thanks to Chase Bohne, Holt Tomie and Brock Dewsbery. Following a UBC timeout, the Cougars momentum would continue, as an and-one drive to the basket by Tomie would give Mount Royal their first lead since scoring the game's opening basket. Motivated by a relentless effort on defense, the Cougars would hold the 'Birds without a basket for the first four minutes of the quarter.
 
Tied 68-68 with four minutes to play, UBC would regain a 75-72 lead with 30 seconds to play following a 7-4 run. With a chance to tie the game, Mount Royal would turn the ball over. The 'Birds would capitalize on their final possession to secure a 77-72 victory.
 
"It's playoffs, so it is going to be a grind every game," stated Thunderbirds captain Grant Audu when asked about the game. "We got up big, but they kept fighting. It was a grind, but we got it done."

The Thunderbirds were led by Audu with 22 points, while Brian Wallack, James Wood, and Kyle Foreman added 15, 13, and 11 points apiece.
 
"I was just out there trying to win," remarked Audu when asked about his performance. "It's playoff time. I wanted to leave nothing in the tank. I was just playing my hardest to try help my team win.

We have had a good season so far. We were undefeated and we lost and now we are in an underdog role. The playoff format is very cool and it is fun to play against everyone again."
 
The Cougars were led by a 23-point, 11 rebound double-double performance from second-year guard Holt Tomie. Nate Petrone would add 14 points for Mount Royal.
 
"I am really proud of how our guys battled back after such a tough start," remarked Cougars head coach Marc Dobell when asked about the game. "We faced a lot of adversity in the game and our guys competed to the end. I am just really proud to be a part of this team."
 
The Cougars would prove their ability to compete amongst Canada West's elite in the first half. Despite trailing 25-18 in the second quarter, an inspired 11-4 run would give the Cougars the lead, 29-28. However, the Thunderbirds would showcase why they have the conferences third ranked offense embarking on an 18-3 run to regain a 46-32 lead at halftime.
 
A determined comeback by the Cougars in the second half would see Mount Royal take a one-point lead with three minutes to play. Ultimately, the comeback was not meant to be as the 'Birds secured the win.
 
The Thunderbirds will advance to the conference quarter-finals where they will face the #4 seeded University of Saskatchewan Huskies. Tipoff for the quarterfinal game is set for 5 p.m. MST Sat. at the 1st Choice Savings Centre. Catch the action live on CanadaWest.TV presented by Co-op.