VANCOUVER - The no. 2 ranked UBC Thunderbirds overcame a slow start at War Memorial Gym to defeat the UVic Vikes men's basketball team 78-72, and also clinch the top spot in the Canada West.
BOXSCORE
The T-Birds improved to 14-1 and secured the Canada West regular season title after a come-from-behind victory over the Vikes. Josh Whyte led the UBC comeback, scoring all 13 of his points in the second half after the former UVic guard was held off the scoresheet through the first two quarters.
Jeff Cullen led all scorers with 24 points, shooting 7-17 and also making 8-11 from the free-throw line. The Oak Bay senior's 13 first half points, combined with the Vikes trademark physical defence, gave the visitors the early lead. UVic led by as many as eight in the first half, but entered halftime tied 32-32.
Despite UBC finding their stroke in the third, and leading for much of the quarter, the game remained tied entering the final frame, 57-57.
Ryan MacKinnon cut the T-Birds lead to one with four minutes left, and Cullen made it a two-point game in the final minute, but the Vikes were not able to regain the lead.
Cyril Indome also added 13 for the Vikes.
Zac Andrus scored eight, and Ryan MacKinnon seven. UVic shot 35 percent from the field.
The loss drops the Vikes record to 8-8, but UVic is not eliminated from post-season contention. The Vikes need at least one win over their next two games, and some help from divisional foes, in order to have a chance at a wildcard entry.
The Vikes weekend series against UBC resumes Saturday night with a 8 p.m. tip off.