KAMLOOPS – Simon Crossfield scored 15 points but the Thompson Rivers WolfPack men's basketball team wasn't able to keep pace with the UBC Okanagan Heat in a 78-63 loss inside the TCC Friday night.
 
The difference between the two teams was just six points heading into the final frame before the Heat rode a 19-5 advantage in the fourth quarter to the commanding victory.
 
UBCO was led by the sharp-shooting Gus Goerzen who knocked down four of his eight attempts from beyond-the-arc en route to putting up 17 points and 10 rebounds for the double-double. Elan Kimpton Cuellar and Gavin Ashworth added 13 points apiece as the Heat outrebounded TRU 35-25 in the game.
 
Simon Crossfield was hot from distance for the 'Pack, hitting three of his four attempts for 15 points and seven rebounds. Asher Mayan had 14 points and Evan Smith 11 for TRU.
 
UBCO cleaned up on the offensive glass, snagging 16 offensive rebounds to help them put up 19 second chance points.
 
After the Heat jumped out to an early 23-10 lead, TRU spent much of the night chipping away at the deficit. The hosts got the score close multiple times and back-to-back threes from Crossfield late in the third quarter cut the deficit to just one, but the 'Pack were never able to get back on even footing.
 
An 11-0 Heat run through the first five minutes of the fourth quarter put the game beyond reach.
 
These teams will be back in action tomorrow night inside the TCC with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m.