Loss on Senior Night backs Spartans into corner going into weekend

Posted by admin on Feb 1, 2010 in Sports | 0 comments

On Saturday night, men’s basketball suffered a loss to close out its home schedule for the year, falling to Canada West cellar dweller Thompson Rivers (3-13), 81-76.

After edging out a close 89-83 win Friday, Saturday’s game brought TWU’s graduating seniors – guard Louis Hurd, forward Jason Keegstra, and centre Joe Vroom – a chance to end their Spartan careers in front of their home fans on a high note. Disappointingly for Hurd, Keegstra, Vroom, and the rest of the Spartans, a poor shooting night coupled with an amazing night by Thompson Rivers’ Sean Garvey wiped out those hopes.

Garvey, who finished the game with 37 points on 13/16 shooting was too much for the boys from Langley, despite strong games by Jacob Doerksen and redshirt freshman Tonner Jackson. Jackson, who played admirably in replacement duty for the injured Tyrell Mara, finished the game with 12 points and three rebounds. “I knew I had to come out with confidence – replacing Tyrell is a big task. I don’t think I replaced the whole he usually filled, but I think I did a decent job,” said Jackson.

Keegstra, who enjoyed closing out his career in front of his home fans, was disappointed by how the game unfolded. “The game didn’t turn out how we hoped it would. Mentally we weren’t competing the entire game. In our division, you just can’t do that.”

Hurd, who finished the game with 21 points on 6/16 shooting, was thankful to the Spartan Faithful for their unwavering support. “I’m thankful for our fans – they support us through wins and losses, so I’m thankful for the chance to play my last game in front of them,” said Hurd.

The loss leaves the Spartans at 9-6 in the Canada West with three games remaining. Once ranked #10 in the country, the Spartans are in danger of missing the playoffs depending on this weekend’s pair of games at Fraser Valley. Fraser Valley and Victoria are hot on the Spartans’ heels at 9-7 and 8-7, but a pair of wins against Fraser Valley would lockdown third place in the Pacific division.

“Saturday’s loss wasn’t ideal our playoff situation, but we still have a chance to lockdown third place and go into the playoffs. Once you’re in the playoffs, it’s a whole new season,” said Keegstra.

Finishing third would insure not only a playoff spot, but the Spartans’ would also avoid a first round match up with Calgary (13-4), the #6 ranked team in the country.

“This weekends games are must wins, so there’s pressure – but I like playing with pressure,” said Hurd. “If we play tough play defense, shoot well, and get the ball inside, we have a great shot at winning.”

Mara is expected to return to the lineup for this weekend’s games after suffering an ankle injury early in last Friday’s game.

The Spartans’ will tip-off with Fraser Valley Friday night at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Both games will be played at Abbotsford’s Envision
Centre.