CALGARY – In their first game of the New Year, the University of Calgary Dinos raced out to an early lead and cruised to a 71-46 victory on Friday night at the Jack Simpson Gym.
With the decision, the No. 2-ranked Dinos (9-0) remain undefeated on the season, while UNBC (3-6) starts the second half on a setback.
"The Christmas break is a long break," commented Dinos head coach
Damian Jennings. "I hope we break the rust off very quickly and turn around some of the finishing, some better shot selection, but at the defensive end, we've just got to find some better spunk again."
The Dinos began the game with an early scoring run, started by a layup by third-year guard
Liene Stalidzane as part of a 12-0 run. The quarter ended with a 21-8 Dinos lead, fuelled by 40.0% shooting by the home team and a pair of three-pointers by
Bobbi-Jo Colburn.
Stalidzane picked up two more three-pointers and helped start an 11-2 run halfway through the second quarter. UNBC managed just four field goals during the opening half and were outrebounded 31-12 as they trailed by 12.
The Timberwolves got hot in the second half, led by their top scoring threats Maria Mongomo and Madison Landry, who picked up eight and five points respectively. The Timberwolves outscored the Dinos 18-16 in the quarter, but Calgary keeping it close with 54.5% shooting.
In the final quarter, UNBC and Calgary were closely matched with 11 and 12 rebounds, 6 and 8 turnovers, and 14 and 17 points, respectively.
"We are disappointed with the final 20 minutes," said Jennings. "UNBC did exactly what they needed to do and we did not respond."
Stalidzane and Colburn tied for a team-high of 15 points for the Dinos.
Erin McIntosh was also a key contributor with 10 points and eight rebounds.
UNBC was led by Mongomo who posted a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds. Landry and Emma vanBruinessen helped with 11 and seven points each.
The Dinos and the Timberwolves will face off again on Saturday, Jan. 4. Tip-off is at 5 p.m. MT at Jack Simpson Gym.
