For immediate release

February 16, 2010

Kwantlen Eagles basketball teams split at home

(METRO VANCOUVER, B.C.) The Kwantlen Polytechnic University Eagles basketball teams took on the Langara Falcons Friday night in a key matchup in the British Columbia Colleges Athletics Association (BCCAA) league play. Both Eagles women’s and men’s teams were looking for wins in order to better their chances of qualifying for the BCCAA Provincial Championships, which will be held by Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, March 4-6, 2010.

Starting off the night was the women’s game. In their previous matchup, the Eagles were able to top the Falcons by a score of 72-60. This was not the case for the Eagles on this outing. The women’s team led throughout the first half but was overtaken by the Falcons in the second half of the game. “The Falcons played well,” remarks coach Gary Pawluk. “…give credit where it’s due, they put themselves in a position to win and had some key plays to tie it up late in the game.”

The women’s team has the opportunity to clinch its playoff spot this coming weekend against the Capilano University Blues, as the Eagles need only one more win to ensure their place in the provincial tournament.

The men’s game was charged with emotions. Led by rookie point guard Doug Meyers (Coquitlam) with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, the Eagles played with focus and determination in a must-win situation. “We played very well,” said coach Bernie Love. “We were up 20 in the third, and kept them to only 36 points in the first half. Our defense was the reason for the win.”

In the fight for their playoff spot, the men’s team must remain undefeated for two more games against a strong Capilano University opponent. “We need to take care of our business and hopefully get a little help from some other scores around the league,” comments Love.

This coming weekend’s games will also be partnered with an additional four games between the Langara Falcons and the Douglas Royals. Due to the Olympic interruptions, Kwantlen will serve as the host site for all eight BCCAA league matches to end off what has been an exceptional season. Game times are 1pm & 3pm for the men’s and women’s Langara vs. Douglas matches and regular home times of 6pm and 8pm for the Eagles vs. Blues bout.

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

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Read all Kwantlen news and releases here: kwantlen.ca/news


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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