Vancouver Island University's basketball teams can't be beaten, and what's more, they seem to be getting better.
The VIU Mariners men's and women't b-ball squads were both big winners against the Camosun Chargers on Friday in the Vancouver Island University gym. The M's women defeated the Chargers 56-42 and then the Mariners men hammered Camo 93-51.
VIU's men were never threatened in Friday's game, building a 47-18 lead at halftime.
"Once we got going, I thought we played pretty good," said Matt Kuzminski, coach of the M's men. "Defensively we were able to control the game, and throughout the game we had spurts where our offence looked really good."
The Mariners have won a few blowout games already this season, and have nevertheless been able to maintain intensity.
"Even though were up by a big lead, we're just trying to put 40 minutes together every night," said Jason Fortin, VIU forward. "I think we got closer tonight but we've still got a long ways to go."
Fortin scored a game-high 19 points and Clayton Billett and Seth Goodman scored 14 apiece. Brandon Jones had 13 assists.
The women's game saw the home team start slowly, falling behind 21-8 after one quarter. Bill McWhinnie, M's coach, said his team gave up too many easy looks and passing lanes, but got back to doing the things it had practised and game-planned for.
"There was a point where we realized that we needed to put more effort in and then things would start falling our way," said Shayna Worthington, M's forward. "Because when we work hard, we have good outcomes."
McWhinnie said his veteran players didn't get rattled when trailing.
"They've seen everything, probably, in their five years, four years, and they realized there's a lot of time in the game," he said. "We knew what we needed to do."
Worthington scored a game-high 23 points and Jocelyn Jones had 17 points and seven assists. Jenna Carver had nine rebounds.
GAME ON … The VIU teams are on the road this coming weekend, visiting the Douglas Royals on Friday (Nov. 29) and then the Langara Falcons on Saturday.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com