Island basketball bragging rights will stay on this side of the Malahat.
The Vancouver Island University Mariners basketball teams swept the Camosun Chargers on Saturday in Pacific Western Athletic Association action at the VIU gym. The women’s team won 78-47 and the men followed with a 76-55 victory.
“In the first half we did a good job of taking their players out of their strengths and forcing them to do things that are not their comfort zone,” said Tony Bryce, coach of the M’s men.
Jacob Thom scored 17 points and dished eight assists, with Richard Townsend Gant scoring 16 points to go with 17 rebounds.
Bill McWhinnie, coach of the Mariners women, said in a press release that post players Brittany Knievel, Shayna Worthington and Sarah Fraser made the difference in the game, controlling the paint and dominating inside.
"A good win against a tough opponent and a playoff team," McWhinnie said.
Worthington had 19 points and 13 rebounds, Knievel had 18 points and 16 rebounds and Jocelyn Jones also scored a double-double with 16 points and 10 assists.
GAME ON … On Saturday (Feb. 11) VIU's men's and women's basketball teams host the University of Northern B.C. Timberwolves at the VIU gym. Tipoff is 6 p.m. for the women and 8 p.m. for the men.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com