BOX SCORE PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. - Ashley Hirons netted 16 points to lead the University of Calgary Dinos to their ninth straight victory, a 77-52 triumph over the UNBC Timberwolves Thursday night at the Northern Sport Centre.
Early pressure gave the Dinos a 10-0 run, keeping the Timberwolves scoreless in the first four minutes. Hirons shot a flawless 4-4 from the field in the first quarter and finished the game with 16 points, four rebounds, and four steals. Jessica Thielenfray, BC) added 11 points and seven rebounds.
The Timberwolves struggled to find their footing throughout the game but were led by captain Mercedes VanKoughnett. VanKoughnett led the game with 22 points and four rebounds.
Visibly undersized, the Timberwolves were hit hard from the first whistle. Full court pressure to open the game led the Dinos to a 10-0 run, keeping the home team scoreless until the fourth minute of play. A fast break would finally end the scoring drought for UNBC when Chelsey Thorne laid one in to put the Timberwolves on the board.
Excellent full court pressure from the Dinos forced multiple UNBC turnovers, totalling 15 at half and 29 for the game. Unable to execute their press break the Timberwolves were double and triple teamed in the front court, allowing for quick baskets off the turnover for the Dinos. The Timberwolves kept it within 12 and at half only trailed 39-27.
Sharp shooting for the Dinos and continued turnovers quickly put an end to the Timberwolves offence. Calgary held UNBC to nine points in the third quarter, giving them a 60-36 lead heading into the final quarter. For the last 10 minutes the Dinos were able to hold on to their lead even with a resurgence of the Timberwolves attack. At the final whistle the Dinos finished 77-52 over the Timberwolves.
The University of Calgary Dinos, now 9-2, will return to Calgary to take on the Mount Royal Cougars on Saturday, January 11. The UNBC Timberwolves, now 4-7, take on the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns on Saturday night. Both games are can be viewed live at canadawest.tv.
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