Third Quarter

Lakehead looks tight as UBC opens the half on an 8-0 run to take the lead 2:30 in to the third. Morrison calls a much-needed timeout as UBC’s scarf-adorned fans start getting back into it. Honestly though, who wears a team scarf at a basketball game? Out of the timeout, LU goes with Searle, Carter, Jones, King and Salhia, they need a stop but don’t get one as LaBrache extends the UBC lead to four. Jones is called for the charge on offence, then King is whistled down on D. Bath hits a jumper to make it 38-32 UBC. King had a good look from outside but it didn’t fall; Lakehead has now gone over four minutes without a point to open the half. UBC looks confident for the first time since very early in the game. Deflating breakaway dunk for Watson off the steal. JJ is demolished in mid air on an aggressive drive to the hoop – no call. LaBranche picks up a steal on Jones from behind and goes in the layup. Another UBC steal and fastbreak basket. 46-32 UBC as the Thunderbirds continue to control play in the third. Morrison calls a timeout and assistant coach Evan Woodland has dropped the suit jacket – it’s gut check time. Looking at the two lineups, UBC has the size advantage at every position. Lakehead needs to be faster than them. On cue, Greg Carter blows through the lane for a layup and LU’s first two points of the half. UBC responds with four quick points. It’s now 51-34 UBC. Great drive by Hackner for a left-handed layup. Carter harasses Whyte into a tough shot and a big shot. LaBranche responds with a steal and layup. 53-36 as Hackner is fouled and heads to the line. Misses both but LU gets it back. Yoos get the hoop and the harm as UBC holds a team meeting around him in the paint – great play and the FT added for the traditional 3-point play. LU gets the stop and JJ is fouled on the rebound attempt. JJ hits both and is having a great game with 12 points. 53-41. Salhia called for the foul as Nathan Yu hits both from the line. Thomson is in for Yoos who’s been working as hard as anyone. Great play by Carter as he draws the offensive foul on Whyte who now has 3 PF. One minute left in the quarter. Lakehead is hitting the offensive boards hard – they want this one badly. Fresh 24 as Lakehead gets it back and Nagy makes a nice drive for two. UBC answers with a 3-ball courtesy of LaBranche to make it 57-43 through three quarters. Time to cue the Heart-Attack Pack for a fourth quarter comeback.