Vancouver Island University’s basketball teams closed out the first half of the season the right way.
The VIU Mariners men’s and women’s hoops teams won all their home games this past weekend. The men defeated the Langara Falcons 102-78 Friday and then got past the Quest Kermodes 82-71 on Saturday. VIU’s ladies were 82-51 winners Friday and won 65-58 Saturday.
“Two good wins to close out the first half of the season,” said Bill McWhinnie, coach of the VIU women’s team, in a press release. “We are seeing gradual improvement as the season goes on.”
Sienna Pollard scored 31 points and added 10 rebounds in the blowout win, while Sara Simovic scored 15 and Lanae Adams added 13. The next day it was Adams with 20 points and 10 boards, Simovic with 19 points and 13 boards and Pollard with 13 points.
The men were led Friday by John Thompson, who scored 22 points and dished seven assists. Josh Ross had 21 points and 12 rebounds and Jason Fortin, with 13 points and 13 boards, and Curtis Wilson with 15 points and 12 boards, also had double-doubles. Bryson Cox added 18 points. On Saturday, Thompson’s 19 points led the way. Fortin had 16 points and 11 rebounds, Wilson had 10 and 10 and Chris Parker scored 17.
GAME ON … VIU’s men play exhibitions against Northwest Christian on Saturday (Nov. 28) at 6 p.m. and Sunday at noon.