The UBC Thunderbirds men’s basketball team opened 2026 with authority, sweeping the local-rival Trinity Western Spartans in a two-game Canada West series at War Memorial Gym in Vancouver on January 9-10. The victories improved UBC to 10-2 overall, solidifying their position near the top of the standings, while dropping TWU to 5-9 after a tough weekend against a physical opponent.
On Friday, January 9, the Thunderbirds delivered a commanding 86-56 win to kick off the new year. UBC exploded for 30 points in the first quarter to build an 18-point lead (30-12), then maintained control with a 47-29 halftime advantage. Despite TWU matching them 17-17 in the second quarter and chipping away in the third, the T-Birds pulled away in the fourth (24-12) for a 30-point margin. Nikola Guzina and Nylan Roberts each posted 21 points—Guzina with 12 rebounds and Roberts with a career-high 14 boards plus strong bench production (UBC’s bench scored 50 total). Edouard Gauthier added 13 points. For the Spartans, Marcus Shankar led with 16 points and two steals, while Tyus De Vries contributed nine points and nine rebounds. UBC dominated the glass 57-44, out-assisted TWU 19-10, and forced 17 turnovers.
Saturday’s January 10 rematch saw UBC again seize control early, racing to a 34-9 first-quarter lead behind a 15-0 run and building a 25-point cushion they never relinquished in a 91-66 victory. The T-Birds shot efficiently (47% FG, 40.7% from three with 11 makes), outrebounded TWU 44-37, and limited second-chance opportunities while scoring 13 off them. Five UBC players reached double figures: Edouard Gauthier led with 16 points off the bench, Gus Goerzen added 14 (including three threes and an early alley-oop), Nikola Guzina posted 14 points and seven rebounds in limited minutes, and Nylan Roberts chipped in 12. Tobi Akinkunmi contributed 10 points. TWU fought back with 11 three-pointers and 15 assists, led by Tyus De Vries’ season-high 18 points and nine rebounds, plus Jack Vandenberg’s 10 points. Despite forcing 19 UBC turnovers for 21 points off them, the Spartans couldn’t overcome the early deficit or UBC’s paint dominance (38-24).
UBC head coach Phil Jalalpoor praised the team’s readiness and collective play after Friday’s win, noting the squad’s aggression on the boards and shot creation. He highlighted improved composure against runs heading into a challenging road stretch. TWU coach Trevor Pridie acknowledged the physical tone set by UBC early both nights, calling the opening games of 2026 a valuable test against top competition to prepare for the season’s stretch run, while commending Pearse Long’s strong weekend carryover from practice.
