No coach? No problem.
The University of Victoria Vikes were full value for their No. 7 CIS national top10 ranking by dropping the 10th-ranked Saskatchewan Huskies 70-59 in a Canada West women's basketball game Saturday in Saskatoon.
The Vikes moved to 6-2 in conference without coach Dani Sinclair, who is eight months pregnant and unable to fly. A familiar face, Rich Chambers, was back on the UVic bench Saturday. Vikes head coach Chambers is taking a year off for family/personal leave, and assistant coach Sinclair is taking his place this season. Assistant Leanne Evans was officially the Vikes head coach yesterday with Chambers assisting.
Meanwhile, with apologies to Ray Milland, the UVic Vikes men's team suffered a lost weekend in Canada West hoops. The Vikes entered the two games at Edmonton and Saskatoon tied for the Pacific Division lead with UBC but have now dropped to 5-3 in conference.
The Vikes, depleted by injuries and down to nine players dressed, were bounced 90-74 Saturday evening by the Saskatchewan Huskies (5-3). Brin Taylor had 13 points for UVic and Kyle Peterson and Ryan Erikson 11 each as the Vikes shot .394 from the field. The Vikes could not contain the Huskies' driving American point-guard Stephon Lamar, a former NCAA Division 1 player with the University of the Pacific Tigers, who poured in 32 points as Saskatchewan went .464 from the field.
That followed Friday's 89-54 collapse against the Alberta Golden Bears in Edmonton as Canadian 2016 Rio Olympics prospect Jordan Baker shredded the Vikes with 18 points, nine boards, five assists and five steals.
In the women's game Saturday in Saskatoon, a stifling UVic defence forced the Huskies (3-5 in conference) into 21 turnovers, off which the Vikes' opportunistic transition offence scored 23 points. UVic pulled away during the 2111 third quarter.
The Vikes' dynamic tandem of team 1-2 scoring leaders Debbie Yeboah and Jessica Renfrew led the way with 21 and 20 points, respectively, while Chelsea McMullen dropped in 18.
Third-year UVic point-guard Cassandra Goodis continued her breakout season as the Penticton product brought down eight rebounds. Dalyce Emmer-son paced Saskatchewan with 18 points and nine boards.
The Vikes men's and women's team are home next weekend at McKinnon Gym against Lethbridge on Friday and Calgary on Saturday.
