KPU basketball teams compete against Island rivals

For immediate release

February 22, 2013

KPU basketball teams compete against Island rivals

(Metro Vancouver) - With two games remaining in the regular season and their playoff berth already confirmed, the fifth ranked Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) women’s basketball team (9W-10L) headed to Vancouver Island last weekend to face their rivals. 

On February 15, the Eagles completed the season sweep, winning all three regular season games. In their past two match-ups, the Eagles held the upper hand against the Camosun Chargers, winning the first game in OT and the second by five points. 

"We played hard and with intensity right from the start”, said Dan Nayebzadeh, head coach, KPU. “We won all four quarters on the scoreboard and did a great job overall defensively. It was a complete team effort and a great win for the team as we head into the playoff season."

The following day the team faced the Vancouver Island University (VIU) Mariners, losing 72-38. "We were drained from the game against Camosun, and came out flat”, said Nayebzadeh. “We had an emotional and physical letdown and they were just the better team."

Despite losing to the Mariners, the Eagles were able to maintain fifth place in the PACWEST standings and earn their ticket to compete at the 2013 PACWEST Basketball Provincials, hosted by Camosun College in Victoria from February 28 - March 2, 2013.

KPU’s men’s basketball team had everything to gain when they boarded the ferry to Vancouver Island on February 15. With two games left remaining against the Chargers and the Mariners, the Eagles faced a must-win situation for both games if they wanted a chance to play in the 2012-13 PACWEST Basketball Championships.

The pressure to win brought a heightened sense of intensity for the Eagles. With persistence, the team took charge, winning in OT by doubling the Chargers’ points 14-7, for a final score of 83-76.    
On February 16, the Eagles faced a tough, physical defense and explosive offense from the Mariners. With their second must-win game on the line, the Eagles battled hard to try and penetrate the Mariners defense, but the strict defense was no match for the tired Eagles offense. The final score was 68-103 for the Mariners, which put an end to their hopes of a post-season.

“I really liked the focus we had going on the Island trip”, commented Stefon Wilson, head coach, KPU. “We knew we had to win both games to receive a playoff berth. We had a good team win on Friday night, but we ran up against a really good team on Saturday.”

With only six teams advancing to post-season, the Eagles placed seventh (7W-14L) with 14 points accumulated, which was not enough for them to advance. “I am excited for this off-season to train and come back stronger next season”, said Wilson.

To view the official championship website, visit: http://www.pacwestbc.ca/basketball2013/

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 18,000 students annually have a choice from over 200 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.

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For more information about the Kwantlen Eagles, contact:
Elise Le Brun
Director, Athletics & Recreation
Tel: 604.599.2005
elise.lebrun@kwantlen.ca  

For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Cara Johnson
Media Specialist
Tel: 604.598.6196
cara.johnson@kwantlen.ca