Anyone who heard the repetitive thumping emanating from the Jack on Sat., Nov. 24 around 9 p.m. need not be concerned with the structural integrity of the Kinesiology complex. It was nothing more than the legions of men’s basketball fans collectively beating their heads into the wall in frustration.
In a none-too-triumphant return to home soil, the Dinos dropped their last two games before the Christmas break to the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds. What one needs to understand is the Dinos didn’t play bad, they just didn’t pick their spots well.
With five minutes left in Friday’s game, the teams were neck and neck. Then Whit Hornsberger picked up his fifth foul, the rest of the team couldn’t score and they lost 90-81. With five minutes left in Saturday’s game, the teams were neck and neck yet again. Then Whit Hornsberger lost his cool, took a technical foul and galvanized the T-Birds’ resolve to close the Dinos out. The result? An inspired and decisive run by UBC and a 91-79 loss for the hometown Dinos.
While spotty defence, undisciplined play and a lack of finish concerned those in attendance, the continued stellar play of Andy Strodeur, a phenomenal performance by Mark Gillrie in a Saturday start and an inspired effort by the limping Jeff Loomis offer hope for the second half of the season.