Panthers look to upset host UBC as Final 8 tips off Thursday

By Thomas Becker

 

Riding the wave of a historic comeback, the UPEI Panthers come into the Indochino U SPORTS Final 8 Championship fresh off their first Atlantic University Sport (AUS) title in 22 years.

 

Facing a 24-point deficit in the AUS championship game on March 2, the Panthers roared all the way back—showcasing the resilience and grit they'll need against the host UBC Thunderbirds in Thursday's quarter-final at midnight (ADT). The game will be played at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia and is available to watch on CBC Gem.

 

UPEI faces a tough challenge against third-seed UBC, the Canada West silver medalists. The Thunderbirds feature a high-powered offence led by dynamic guard Adam Olsen, who averaged 16.4 points per game on an efficient 45.9 per cent shooting, including 38.5 per cent from beyond the arc. Adding to their scoring depth is veteran forward Fareed Shittu, who contributed 10.9 points per game.

 

However, UPEI's dynamic backcourt duo of Kamari Scott and Kyree Thompson has the firepower to match UBC's offensive leaders. The pair combined for 28.3 points per game this season, and their play will be crucial in determining whether the Panthers advance to the semifinals.

 

"We're grateful for this opportunity. It's now setting in that we have a chance to play for a national championship in Vancouver, which is surreal," Scott said. "There's no pressure on us—we're facing teams we've never played before, which makes this an exciting challenge. Representing UPEI on the national stage means everything, and we're not taking it for granted. Last year, we would've been watching this tournament from home, so we're going to embrace every moment and give it 100 per cent."

 

The biggest challenge UBC presents is its size. With two towering 6-foot-10 forwards in Nikola Guzina and Victor Radocaj, the Thunderbirds dominate the paint and score efficiently. Guzina averaged 12.8 points per game on 56.5 per cent shooting, while Radocaj added 9.9 points per contest on a blistering 65.5 per cent shooting from the field.

 

For UPEI to neutralize this advantage, 6-foot-7 forward Daniel Gonzalez Longarela will play a critical role. He averaged 9.3 points and 10.1 rebounds per game during the regular season and stepped up big during the AUS Championships with two double-double performances. His defensive presence in the post will be key to slowing down UBC's big men.

 

"They're big, and they have people who can really shoot it," said Panthers head coach Darrell Glenn. "They execute their stuff well and will present challenges in the low post with their size."

 

One factor working in the Panthers' favour is their tenacious defence. UPEI ranked eighth in U SPORTS in scoring defence, allowing just 70 points per game—well below UBC's explosive 87-point average. So, something has to give in this battle of contrasting styles.

 

"Our message is simple: be true to who we are," Glenn added. "As we've done all season, we'll make defence the cornerstone of our preparation and identity."

 

With their trademark grit, stifling defence, and never-say-die attitude, the Panthers are primed to embrace the challenge ahead. An upset would send shockwaves across PEI, but win or lose, UPEI is determined to leave everything on the court. All that's left now is tip-off in Vancouver.