With VIU’s basketball teams both in great shape in the standings, it’s games like this that can really drive them at this point in the season.
Vancouver Island University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams face the Camosun Chargers on Saturday (Feb. 4) in the annual Island Rivalry doubleheader.
“We’re treating this as the biggest game of the year so far, so we’re training hard for it,” said Greg Gillies, Mariners player.
The M’s (11-1) sit in first place in the Pacific Western Athletic Association table, with the Chargers (9-3) holding down second place.
“It’ll be a good game,” said Trevor Davidson, M’s player. “Obviously it’ll push us and it’ll push them, as well.”
The first half of the Island Rivalry series was played in Victoria in November, a game the Mariners won by a 96-80 score.
To come out with another positive result, said Davidson, it will take team play, hard work and execution on offence.
“We’re both pretty physical, we’re both pretty big,” said Gillies. “It’s always fun when it’s a physical game. It makes the fans get mrore excited because it gets intense.”
Helping the intensity will be the fans who make it out to Saturday’s games. Games against Camosun tend to be some of the biggest draws of the season and vocal support will inspire the Mariners.
“It gives us a lot of excitement which is really needed in tight games,” Davidson said.
GAME ON … The doubleheader at the Vancouver Island University gym starts with a 6 p.m. game between the lady M’s (11-1) and the Chargers women (6-6). The men then tip off at 8 p.m.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com
