Both teams could have reason to celebrate soon. Okanagan is just one win away from a playoff spot, and the Mariners have a chance to lock up the top seed later this month.
Friday - VIU 89, Okanagan 70
These two teams are on polar opposite ends of the offensive spectrum in how they get their points, and the played as such.
A spectacular second quarter for Okanagan put the Coyotes up by two going into the half, but they would never lead again. VIU's high-octane perimeter offense kicked into overdrive, flummoxing Okanagan's post-heavy offense en route to a decisive victory.
Keyonte Beals wasn't afraid to shoot the ball, scoring 19 points while taking as many shots. Winston Cole and Kye Kotapski-Tinga were right behind him with 18 each while Kai Leighton added 16 for good measure.
Okanagan's stars showed up in equal measure. Noah Steingart and Oaklen Kowal tied for the team lead with 18 points while Phil Holmes Jr. recorded yet another double-double, dropping 17 points and 15 rebounds while playing all but one minute in the game.
Saturday - VIU 106, Okanagan 78
With Douglas' loss on Friday and Okanagan's playoff status secured, the Coyotes intended to use Saturday's game as a test ahead of their trip to Victoria in two months.
If Saturday's game is anything to go by, the Coyotes still have much to learn.
The Mariners took a 32-9 lead after the first quarter and never looked back. While Okanagan matched VIU the rest of the way, the lead was too large, pushing the Mariners to their ninth straight.
Two major things stood out for VIU today: Shooting and offensive rebounds. In addition to hitting 22 three-pointers to Okanagan's eight, the Mariners bested the Coyotes 20-10 on the offensive glass and 45-30 in total, marking the first time this season they held the advantage in offensive rebounds.
Four players reached double figures for VIU: Ekman Sohal and Levi Van Egdom tied for the team lead in points with 23, while Keyonte Beals and Winston Cole had 18 and 13 respectively. Sohal and Beals each recorded a double-double: Sohal had 23 points (15 in the first quarter alone) and 10 rebounds, while Beals had 18 and 11. The only Mariner to not crack the scoresheet was Kaleb Wilson, but he compensated with three blocks.
Phil Holmes Jr. continues to star in the Okanagan frontcourt, recording 21 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Oaklen Kowal dropped 14 points off the bench, while Noah Steingart added 10.
The Mariners head down the Malahat next week for a heavyweight bout with Camosun before returning home on February 20th to face Douglas.
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