LANGLEY – The No. 3 University of Victoria Vikes had a solid second game to earn a weekend split with a 85-59 victory over the Trinity Western University Spartans Saturday night in Canada West men's basketball action at the Langley Events Centre in Langley, B.C.

BOX SCORE  /  SCHEDULE
 
The loss drops the Spartans to 5-5, while the win moves the first place Vikes to 9-1. TWU's 60-57 victory on Friday night is the Vikes lone loss on the season.
 
"We played a very selfish game.  Having only 8 assists and committing 24 turnovers was our issue. As game went we became more and more individuals and we will need to make appropriate changes prior to second half of season," commented TWU head coach Scott Allen. "With our difficult schedule we have had a great first half and we need to build on this and keep on improving."

Forward Kelvin Smith (Los Angeles) with 14 points, four rebounds and three steals, guard Justin Bakuteka (Toronto) with 11 points and three assists and guard Robert Rodriguez (Sacramento, Calf.) with 10 points, eight rebounds and four assists led the Spartans. While guard Reiner Theil (West Vancouver, B.C.) with 22 points, centre Chris McLaughlin (Oakville, Ont.) with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds and forward Terrell Evans (Las Vegas, NV) with 16 points led the Vikes.
 
The Vikes were strong at both ends of the court to start the game and finished the first quarter shooting 56 percent from the field for a 27-17 lead. The Spartans had trouble finding their range as they shot 38.5 percent.
 
The second quarter was similar as Victoria cooled of slightly and TWU stayed the same to see the visitors from the Island take a 50-31 lead into the half team break.
 
In the third quarter the Spartans were much better from the field, but they could not cool off the Vikes as they stayed over 50 percent, 52.9, to take a 22-point lead 72-50 into the final quarter.
 
The final frame was quickly played and low scoring as Victoria edge TWU 13-9 to finish with the 26 point win.
 
The Spartans will return to Canada West action in the New Year on January 10 and 11 when they will travel to Winnipeg for games against the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg.
 
Game Notes: Victoria finished with a 36 to 33 advantage in rebounding and a 15 to seven edge in steals…TWU finished with 24 turnovers, while Victoria finished with 12…The Vikes finished the night shooting 47.8 percent (32-67) from the field, while the Spartans finished at 38.2 percent (21-55)…