Vancouver Island University’s men’s basketball team won the PacWest champion and gets to go to nationals.
The VIU Mariners won the Pacific Western Athletic Association title this past weekend in Kelowna, defeating the Camosun Chargers by a 71-64 score in the gold-medal game Saturday, March 2, at Okanagan College.
The game was close all the way through, but the Mariners built on a two-point margin at halftime with a strong third quarter to gain an edge.
According to PacWest press release, VIU’s Adam Anhold was outstanding under the net and a major presence in the defensive end altering shots by the Chargers. Anhold ended up with 21 points and 14 rebounds.
Ryan Bastian also had a strong two-way game with 16 points and five steals, and Kaeleb Johnson scored 14 points.
Anhold was selected tournament MVP and Bastian and Peter Li were chosen all-stars.
VIU and Camosun will compete at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association championships from March 13-16 at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick.
Before the tournament started, Anhold was announced as the PacWest Player of the Year and a first-team all-star and Johnson and Kai Leighton were second-team all-stars.
Meanwhile, VIU’s women’s team also ends basketball season with a medal.
The Mariners earned PacWest bronze this past weekend in Kelowna, ending with a 64-58 victory against the Capilano Blues.
“Their defence was incredible keeping the Blues to without a field goal in the fourth quarter until the final second,” noted a PacWest press release.
Kaia Simpson led VIU with 19 points and 14 rebounds, while Makayla Kimble added 12 points. Kimble was selected a tournament all-star.
Before provincials, Kimble was chosen a PacWest first-team all-star, Simpson a second-team all-star, and Allison Bentley made the all-rookie team. Tony Bryce was selected Coach of the Year.
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