Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) two basketball teams both lost in PACWEST (Pacific Western Athletic Association) play Abbotsford last Friday.
Playing on the road against the Columbia Bible College Bearcats, the Kwantlen Eagles lost the women’s game 59-50 before dropping a 67-59 decision in the men’s game.
The men tallied 22 points in the second quarter to erase a five-point deficit and take a 36-33 lead at halftime. But the Eagles scored just seven points in the third quarter to fall behind by six points, a deficit they couldn’t erase.
Princess Margaret Secondary graduate Ali Bosir scored 15 points and added eight rebounds to lead the Eagles effort. Obi Udevi (Panorama Ridge Secondary) netted a dozen points and Aaron Ram (Seaquam) added 10 points and eight rebounds. Devan Haynes was the top rebounder with nine.
With just one win in six starts, the Eagles are still very much in the playoff race. Six of the eight teams will advance to the playoff tournament hosted by Douglas College in February, and while tied with the Camosun Chargers for last place, KPU is just a game back of three teams who are at 2-4 (won-lost).
The women fell behind 40-26 at halftime before cutting the difference to seven points after three quarters. The rally fell short, and the Eagles fell to 2-4 (won-lost) in the PACWEST standings. KPU is in a three-way tie for fifth place.
Fleetwood Park Secondary graduate Shilpa Khanna paced the Eagles with 17 points, with Amber-Lee Kavanagh addingg 11. Kavanagh and Samantha McPhail were the leaders on the boards, each with eight rebounds.
Both teams will play twice next weekend before a six-week break from league play. The Eagles will be in North Vancouver Friday to play the Capilano Blues, before tipping off Saturday night in Squamish against the Quest Kermodes.
Women’s games are at 6 p.m. both nights, followed by the men at 8 p.m.