The VIU Mariners accomplished a rare feat this weekend – they beat the Langara Falcons.
Vancouver Island University’s men’s basketball team won two games on the road this past weekend, including a 77-70 victory Saturday over a perennial powerhouse in the Pacific Western Athletic Association. The Falcons had given the M’s fits over the past two seasons.
“It was kind of nice, being 0-8 against them, to finally get a win,” said Matt Kuzminski, VIU coach. “Obviously the personnel are different on both teams from previous years, but nevertheless.”
He said his guys executed the game plan, getting deeper into their offence and slowing down the home team’s fast break.
“The game went back and forth with multiple lead changes and ties,” Kuzminski said. “We had a lot of contributions from different guys and some bench guys really stepped up for us, so it was a good all-around team win.”
Justin King scored 30 points and pulled down eight rebounds and Jason Fortin added 13 points and nine rebounds.
The previous day, VIU beat Douglas 89-85. King had 34 points and 11 boards, Kadeem Stewart scored 15 points to go with six assists and six steals, Fortin chipped in 13 points and Harrison Stupich added 10.
VIU’s women lost 50-46 to Douglas, then beat Langara 66-51.
GAME ON … The Mariners basketball teams host the Quest Kermodes on Friday (Nov. 14) and the Capilano Blues on Saturday at the VIU gymnasium. Game times Friday are 6 p.m. for the women and 8 p.m. for the men and Saturday's tipoff times are 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com