Pre-season loss still irks M’s

VIU’s men’s basketball team takes the court today (Jan. 14) against the Capilano Blues miffed about a pre-season loss, of all things.

Some players say it’s good to have a short memory after losses, but not the VIU Mariners.

Vancouver Island University’s men’s basketball team takes the court today (Jan. 14) against the Capilano Blues still miffed about a pre-season loss, of all things.

“I’m hoping some of the guys remember that and try to make amends,” said Tony Bryce, coach of the Mariners.

The M’s don’t lose to Canadian college competition often, but in October the Blues came into the VIU gym and left with an 87-64 win.

“We got ran out of the gym, in our own gym,” said Brandon Jones, VIU guard. “So I think it’s a little vengeance that’s going to be taken out on Saturday. We’re not holding back.”

Now, three months later, the two teams find themselves tied atop the Pacific Western Athletic Association standings with 5-1 records.

“They’re a tough matchup for us because they really get up and down the floor,” Bryce said. “Mentally we’ve got to be ready to go and make sure we’re getting back and taking good shots.

“It’s going to be a good test … I think it’ll set the tone for what kind of team we’re going to be.”

GAME ON … VIU and Cap tip off at 3 p.m. today at the Vancouver Island University gym, immediately following a 1 p.m. matchup between the schools’ women’s teams … Both M’s teams hosted Quest on Friday, after press time.

sports@nanaimobulletin.com

Nanaimo News Bulletin