CALGARY - Two minutes into the third quarter, the UBCO Heat faced a 17-point deficit, had failed to score a point from outside of the paint or the free-throw line, and had been outscored in transition. Sixteen minutes of gameplay later, they were within two points.

The University of Calgary Dinos gutted out their home opener, defeating the Heat, 90-83, on Friday night at the Jack Simpson Gym. The Dinos rallied by winning the battle that had previously allowed the Heat back into the game – rebounding. 

Fourth-year centre Spencer Roberts buoyed the Dinos offence in the final frame, scoring nine points and keeping the Heat's offensive rebounding brigade at bay. 

"Coach asked a lot of me at the fourth quarter time out," Roberts said after the game."He said I needed to pick it up a gear and I took that as a challenge."

The budding trust of the Dinos was evident in the closing minutes, as Roberts, first-year forward Alan Spoonhunter, and second-year guard Parker Johnstone steered the club to victory. Filling in for injuries, fouled-out starters, and feeding the hot hand – each Dino was instrumental in extended action to earn the victory for Calgary.

Second-year forward Imoudu Ibrahim wreaked havoc for the Heat, tallying 15 rebounds as part of a 23-offensive rebound night for UBCO. Despite shooting under 30-percent in the opening half and starting 0-13 from 3-point range, the Heat's determination and grit propelled them to a 12-point advantage over Calgary in the second half to make it a close contest down the stretch.

Rust and miscues were seen from both teams, and understandable during a season opener. Each group will have the opportunity tomorrow night to improve upon mistakes as the journey back to the Canada West playoffs in underway.  

Action tips off at 6 p.m. at the Jack Simpson Gym and can be seen on Canada West TV.

-UC-