For immediate release

February 8, 2010

Kwantlen Eagles push for playoff berths

(METRO VANCOUVER, B.C.) The Kwantlen Polytechnic University Eagles basketball teams were in action this past weekend playing host to the Quest University of Canada Kermodes. Both Eagles men’s and women’s teams are closely ranked with their respective Quest opponents in this key stretch leading into the British Columbia Colleges Athletics Association (BCCAA) Provincial Championships.

On Friday, to begin the weekend, the Eagles women were up 33-20 at the half, the result of a charge led by the plays of Jessica Williams and Chantelle Doerksen. The Kermodes came back with a strong effort in the second half, but captain and leading scorer, Taminder Dhaliwal led the charge with her “dedication to succeed,” says coach Gary Pawluk. Along with Dhaliwal, second-year forward Shmyla Thandi played a strong role in the 62-59 Eagles victory.

The rest of the weekend was an opportunity for the men’s team to shine. Fighting for a playoff spot, the men are faced with the challenge of winning all of their remaining games. “We are still in it, but we’ve got to do the work on the court in order to qualify for the Provincials,” comments coach Bernie Love. With efforts like this past weekend, the Eagles are vying at the bit to qualify for the coveted tournament.
 
Despite a strong Eagles pace through the first three quarters, the Kermodes were able to hang close and challenge the Eagles with 15 lead changes in the fourth quarter alone. Led by second-year Varinder Singh who was 5-for-8 from behind the three point line, and Ali Bosir who marked his first double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds in the game, the Eagles were able to persevere and came out on top with a 65-64 win.

Continuing this winning weekend, the men came out again on Saturday overpowering their opponent 75-63, with great play by rookie Bosir. “His rebounds were key…[they] were probably the key to winning the games this weekend,” remarks Love.

The Eagles will continue their home stand over the Olympic break taking on the Langara Falcons this Friday at Kwantlen’s Surrey Campus. For both teams, the Langara match is always a well fought, intense game. Both Falcon teams are sitting in the league at fifth position, clutching to hold on in the top six in order to make it to the 2010 Provincial Championships.

Kwantlen’s varsity athletics teams are the Kwantlen Eagles. In basketball, soccer, badminton and golf, they compete in national intercollegiate leagues. For more information about the Kwantlen Eagles or view live webcast, visit kwantlen.ca/eagles or follow the Eagles on Twitter: KwantlenEagles

Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/KwantlenU
Read all Kwantlen news and releases here: kwantlen.ca/news

-30-


For more information about this story or the Eagles Basketball programs, contact:
Elise Le Brun
Director, Athletics & Recreation
Tel: 604.599.2980
athletics@kwantlen.ca

OR

For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Peter Chevrier
Director, Marketing & Communications
Tel: 604.599.2286
peter.chevrier@kwantlen.ca