Prince George, BC – The UNBC Timberwolves opened up the new year with a win over the University of Calgary Dinos. The Timberwolves, now 4-7, defeated the Dinos, now 5-6, 80-66 on Thursday night at the Northern Sport Centre.

Back from the holiday break renewed and energized the Timberwolves played hard for a full 40 minutes to win their first league game back. UNBC had four players in double digits with fourth year Franck Olivier Kouagnia (Yaounde, CMR) leading the charge with 17 points. Charles Barton (Vernon, BC) added 12 while Daniel Stark (Prince George, BC) and Billy Cheng (Richmond, BC) both chipped in 10.

The Dinos scoring was monopolized by four players who totalled 49 of their 66 points. Forward Philip Barndt (Billings, MT) led the team with 15 points and seven boards, followed by Jarred Ogungbemi-Jackson (Winnipeg, MB) with 12, Josh Owen-Thomas (Adelaide, AUS) and Josh Turner (Auburndale, FL) each added 11.

Both teams started strong in the first half trying to gain the upper hand. Calgary was able to edge out the Timberwolves in the first quarter by upping the tempo of the game and forcing multiple turnovers and transition points. At the end of the first only two points separated the teams. By the end of the second quarter the Timberwolves had caught up and adjusted to the tempo set by the Dinos in the first period. Trading baskets for 10 minutes left the teams tied 34-34 at half.

Nolan Hanson (Prince George, BC) gave the Timberwolves the run they need in the third quarter to set themselves ahead. Hanson made good on a fast break pass from Stark followed by a long two to put the Timberwolves up six, 50-44, with just over three minutes left in the third. Brandt retaliated with a hook shot and a pull-up jumper to get the Dinos back on track but the visitors still trailed by four headed into the final quarter.

In the final 10 minutes the Dinos pace slowed and the Timberwolves appeared to maintain the pressure. Their trap defence created transition baskets and quick scoring opportunities. Kouagnia finished strong for the Timberwolves scoring seven of his 17 points in the last 10 minutes. Kouagnia battled inside drawing fouls and getting to the line. Repeated fouls put the Timberwolves on the line down the stretch, which only widened the gap. After a tough back and forth battle the Timberwolves came out on top of a 80-66 finish over the Dinos.

The University of Calgary Dinos take to the court again on Saturday, January 11 when they take on the Mount Royal University Cougars back in Calgary. The UNBC Timberwolves host the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns on Saturday at the Northern Sport Centre. Both games can be viewed live at canadawest.tv