Vancouver Island University’s men’s basketball players had some fun as they continue to get better.
The VIU Mariners played an alumni game Saturday at the VIU gym, coming back to defeat the alumni 89-68.
“It’s something we want to make sure we do going forward is keep the alumni involved,” said Matt Kuzminski, VIU coach, before the game. “It gives the current players something to look up to because we’ve had some success in the past with this program.”
It continued winning ways for VIU, as the M’s swept all three of their games the previous weekend on the mainland at the Capilano Blues’ tournament.
The Mariners defeated the host Blues 68-47, beat St. Claire 87-57 and outscored the Seattle Blue Angels 98-70 to end off the tourney.
“It was good results,” Kuzminski said. “We’re getting contributions from a lot of different guys and I think that will be a continuing theme. We have a fairly deep team.”
Against Cap, VIU’s Tyler Olsen led the way with 12 points and 11 rebounds and Ryan Davidson added 10 points. Jon Bethell’s 17 points led the M’s against St. Claire, while Adam Connolly had 16 points and 11 rebounds in that game. Olsen scored 20 in the finale and Brandon Jones dropped in 17.
The coach said none of the games were a complete 40-minute effort, but said as a whole the games were positive.
“I’m seeing progress towards the identity we want to establish,” said Kuzminski. “We want to be a physical, tough, in-your-face defensive-style team and I think we’re slowly getting closer to that.”
GAME ON … Next action for the VIU Mariners men’s basketball team is Friday (Oct. 19) as they host Northwestern Indian College at the VIU gymnasium in a 7 p.m. tipoff … VIU’s women’s hoops team lost an exhibition game to Lewis & Clark College on Friday at the VIU gym, 79-45. The M’s women play tournament action at Victoria’s Camosun College this Friday and Saturday.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com
