The VIU Mariners hit nothing but net, sweeping to four wins on the weekend.
Vancouver Island University’s men’s basketball team scored a pair of convincing wins, defeating the Capilano Blues 80-67 on Friday and then handling the Quest Kermodes 83-64 on Saturday. VIU’s undefeated women’s squad was also strong, beating Cap 69-53 and getting past Quest 70-58.
In Saturday’s finale, the M’s and the Kermodes were tied 40-40 at halftime as the visitors rebounded well to keep it close.
“We were able to make it up with our defensive intensity, and I thought down the stretch our offensive execution was way better,” said Matt Kuzminski, VIU coach.
The M’s kept a close check on the opposition, contesting every shot and limiting the Spirit Bears to just a 16.2 shooting percentage in the second half.
“Our defensive goal is to try to keep the ball out of the paint and make people score over us. Just don’t give them anything easy,” Kuzminski said.
Clayton Billett, VIU guard, said his team has talked about trying to prevent other teams from getting easy lay-ups and high-percentage shots.
“If you grind every possession and make them shoot tough jumpers then it’s going to be tough to beat you,” Billett said.
Brandon Jones led the Mariners on Saturday with 18 points and nine rebounds, Seth Goodman had 17 points and Billett scored 16. Jerod Dorby pulled down nine boards.
The night before, Jones scored 25 points and Billett had 13.
In women’s action, VIU won comfortably versus two playoff-bound squads. Against Quest, the home team continued to build a lead until the fourth quarter.
“We had a chance to really put them away and just had some mental lapses that allowed the game to be a little closer than we would like at the end,” said Bill McWhinnie, VIU coach. “But the girls weathered the storm, and that’s a good team we beat.”
Jocelyn Jones scored a game-high 20 points, Heather McCarthy added 18 and Shayna Worthington had 15 points and 14 rebounds.
In the previous night’s win, Jones scored 36 points, Worthington had 11 points and six steals and Jenna Carver had 10 rebounds.
GAME ON … VIU’s basketball teams are home again this coming weekend (Feb. 14-15). The Mariners host the Langara Falcons on Friday night at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. and the Douglas Royals on Saturday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com
