It may have only been an exhibition game, but there were a lot of positive signs out of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s basketball team. Before over 100 fans at the Tournament Capital Center, the WolfPack were beaten 90-67 by the Whitman College Missionaries of Walla Walla, Washington.
The Missionaries, a NCAA Division III school were kicking off a five game tour of British Columbia.
“It’s tough on the guys because we hadn’t practiced before the game,” said TRU head coach Scott Clark, who utilized his entire 13 man bench—which included nine new faces. “ I liked that we had a chance to see everyone and what they are capable of and what needs to be worked on.”
Whitman led 27-11 after the first quarter and were up 50-36 at the half. The Missionaries had ten practices before this match up.
Eric Bridgeland
“I knew that TRU was going to be good,” said Whitman head coach Eric Bridgeland. “ I coached against Scott when he was at SFU. I know he hasn’t had very much time with his guys. I knew they were going to be tough and it was hard fought until the very end.”
Whitman was led by Peter Clark (wing, junior Flagstaff, AZ) with 20 points. Josh Duckworth (guard, sophomore, Los Angeles, CA) had 15 for the Missionaries. While Ryan Gilkey ( forward, junior, Woodinville, WA)and Ignas Pavilonis (forward, J unior, Silute, Lithuania) contributed 15 and 11 points respectively.
“I liked the things that we worked on the last ten days,” says Bridgeland, who played CIS basketball for the University of Manitoba . “ We were really together. I was proud how we held up and we shot well. When you hit your shots you look a lot better.”
“ It adds motivation for the guys to be even better basketball players and athletes, “Clark added about the experience to play a NCAA school.
Chas Kok
TRU was led by fifth year forward Chas Kok (Lynden, WA). Kok, who appears to have gotten bigger thanks to an off season weight program had 17 points and 11 rebounds. All his rebounds were on defence. First year forward Will Ondrik (Vernon, BC) had nine points and seven rebounds in 23 minutes of court time. UBC transfer Akeem Pierre (3rd year, guard, Richmond, BC) had nine points.
The WolfPack coach thought his teams effort was ok. “There are ten guys who didn’t have any idea what my expectation is and what I want to see occur or our schemes or concepts. The guys are eager to learn and eager to please their teammates and their coach. When you have that, it makes going to practice fun.”
The WolfPack’s next exhibition game isn’t until September 30 th when they entertain the University of Northern British Columbia. That game is in Williams Lake. The two teams will meet October 14 th 6 pm at the Tournament Capital Center.
DOUBLE DRIBBLES: Bridgeland had a lot of good things to say about TRU and the Tournament Capital Center: “ These facilities are world class. Kamloops is beautiful. On our way here we were blown away by the mountains and the scenery. This is a wonderful place ...much more than we were anticipating. I played against Ken Olynyk when I was with Manitoba. I know Scott and they are building a first class operation here.”
