SASKATOON, SK – The Saskatchewan Huskies kicked off the New Year at home on Ron & Jane Graham Centre Court at the Physical Activity Complex against the University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat Friday at 6:00 PM. Right from the start, the Huskies found themselves in control of the game, holding the lead for 38 of the 40 minutes played, eventually defeating the Heat 79-74.

THE HIGHLIGHTS

• Saskatchewan took hold of the lead in the opening seconds of the quarter and established their dominance early in the game. The Huskies would outscore the heat 12-4 in the first five and extend their lead to 21-13 by the end of the quarter. 

• The Heat would find their footing in the second, narrowing the gap and even finding themselves in the lead, but only briefly before the Huskies regained control and proceeded to go on a 16-point scoring run (41-27). The Huskies built up their lead to 45-33 by the end of the second. Alexander Dewar (SSK) would lead the scoring race at the half with 20 points, shooting 63.6% in field goals and 100% from the line. 

• The Huskies would continue to hold the lead through the third, extending their lead to 16-points (59-43). Saskatchewan would continue to keep UBCO at a distance, ending the third 65-50.

• The Heat proved relentless, keeping on the Huskies, earning 10 points off forced turnovers. The final minutes of the fourth would decide the game; the Heat only down by three with 15 seconds to play. The Huskies would have the opportunity to shoot free throws with only seconds left, making it a 5-point difference and running the Heat out of opportunities. 
   

THE STATS

• Saskatchewan's Alexander Dewar would lead the game in scoring with 25 points. Dewar would shoot 42.1% in field goals and 77.8% from the line. 

• UBCO's Jalen Shirley would lead the Heat in points with 18 on the night. 

• Ryker Wuttke (SSK) would lead in rebounds, getting his hands on six offensive and seven defensive rebounds (13 total). 

• Saskatchewan would have 36 bench points, and UBCO would have 12.

• Both teams would have numerous fast-break opportunities, with the Huskies scoring 21 points and the Heat scoring 20 off of fast-breaks.

THE STANDINGS 
The win will improve the Huskies record to 7-4 while the Heat will shift to 2-9. 

THE NEXT ONE
The two teams will return to the court for game two of the weekend series on Saturday at 8:00 PM at the Physical Activity Complex. Tickets are available at HuskieTickets.com, and fans unable to attend can catch the action live on CanadaWest.TV.