Prince George, BC – The UNBC Timberwolves notched their first win during their home opener on Friday, November 8. The Timberwolves move to 1-2 after defeating the Thompson River University WolfPack 73-53, the WolfPack also sit at 1-2.

The Timberwolves were led by fifth year Jen Bruce (Langley, BC) who netted 17, a game high so far this season. Mercedes VanKoughnett (Prince George, BC) was also key for the T-Wolves. The fifth year guard nabbed 14 rebounds, 12 of which were defensive.

Taiysa Worsfold (Kamloops, BC), a third year guard, drained five threes to add to her game total of 22, a high for both teams. Jori Duxbury (Salmon Arm, BC) chipped in 11 points, while Kassie Colonna (Invemere, BC) added nine points and eight boards.

The Timberwolves started slow, while the WolfPack took an early 8-0 lead. UNBC didn’t drain their first basket until three minutes in when VanKoughnett went 2-2 from the foul line. Bruce immediately followed with a three to bring the Timberwolves back into the game. TRU kept the pressure on, maintaining a two point lead after 10 minutes.

The second quarter saw the Timberwolves work the ball around the court to create high percentage chances. Both teams traded points, exchanging the lead until the Timberwolves got a foot hold with only a few minutes left in the half. UNBC led 40-30 at half, and would maintain the lead until the final whistle.

For the visiting WolfPack the second half was an uphill climb. The Timberwolves stepped up their defence, forcing the visitors to take difficult and challenged shots. The WolfPack shot 24 percent from the field, and were held to eight points in the final 10 minutes. At the end of 40 minutes the Timberwolves finished ahead of the WolfPack 73-53.

The win marked the first regular season win for the Timberwolves and the first win for head coach Sergey Shchepotkin who is in his first season at the helm of the Timberwolves.

Both teams will return to the Northern Sport Centre tomorrow night for their second of two games. The game is set to tip-off at 6 p.m. PST and can be viewed on canadawest.tv