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VIU Mariners trying to bounce back

VIU’s men’s basketball team is targeting hustle and team play as areas of improvement after a narrow setback against the Capilano Blues.
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VIU Mariners player Hayden Hall scores a lay-up during Saturday’s game against the Capilano Blues at the Vancouver Island University gym.

The VIU Mariners know that responding to a loss comes down to things they can control.

Vancouver Island University’s men’s basketball team (2-1) is targeting hustle and team play as areas of improvement after a narrow 70-67 setback against the Capilano Blues on Saturday at the VIU gym.

Matt Kuzminski, VIU coach, said in the previous day’s 91-74 win against the Douglas Royals, his team shot the ball well, which masked some problems.

Those problems contributed to the M’s giving up a lead against the Blues, as the coach said his team was outhustled for loose balls and rebounds, and when the game got close, the Mariners responded with individual play.

Kuzminski said he thinks his team can respond the right way.

“A lot of it will come down to, do they believe and buy in to the fact that we need to do this together as a team,” he said. “It has to be a collective effort, rather than individuals.”

GAME ON … VIU’s men’s and women’s basketball teams play road games Friday (Nov. 11) and Saturday against the Quest Kermodes and Langara Falcons, respectively.

sports@nanaimobulletin.com