The VIU Mariners will enjoy the holiday break no matter what, but more so if they can maintain their perfect records.
Vancouver Island University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams (6-0) have one more weekend of Pacific Western Athletic Association action this semester. The M’s are on the road to play the Douglas Royals on Friday (Nov. 29) and the Langara Falcons the next day.
VIU’s hoops teams have used home court to their advantage, as five of their six games so far have been played in Nanaimo.
Matt Kuzminski, coach of the Mariners men, said last season his players seemed to lose focus at this time of year and lost a game before the break that they shouldn’t have lost. He said this year’s group is mature and he doesn’t expect them to let up.
“During the games, [we need to] control what we can control – effort,” Kuzminski said. “And the score will take care of itself.”
Bill McWhinnie, coach of the VIU women’s team, said playing on the road is a different sort of challenge.
“We’ve got to go into someone else’s gym and we’ve got to play in front of their fans and we’ve got to win two games in two difficult places,” he said.
Shayna Worthington, M’s player, said the team is excited to take its first overnight road trip of the season.
“It will be a chance to bond some more, so it’ll be fun,” she said.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com