Chris Raeside
Sport Information Event Management, Media & Sport Development Officer
⏱️ 3 min read | Final Score: VIU 94, Capilano 80
Blues Fall to VIU in PACWEST Semi-Final; Eyes Turn to Bronze
The Capilano University Blues quest to defend their 2025 PACWEST gold medal came to a halt on Friday night as they fell 94-80 to the VIU Mariners in the provincial semi-final. Despite a resilient fourth-quarter push and a balanced scoring attack that saw ten different players find the scoresheet, the Blues were unable to overcome a disciplined Mariners squad that capitalized on a significant disparity at the charity stripe.
A Battle at the Line
While the field goal percentages remained relatively tight—with the Blues shooting a respectable 45.2% to the Mariners' 48.5%—the game was largely decided by the whistle. VIU’s aggressive drives resulted in 27 free-throw attempts, of which they converted a staggering 23 (85.2%). In contrast, the Blues were awarded just 11 opportunities at the line, reflecting a foul count that favored the Mariners 23-13.
The Mariners established their rhythm early, outscoring the Blues in each of the first three quarters. By the time the fourth quarter began, Capilano found themselves staring down a significant deficit, as VIU stretched their lead to as many as 23 points late in the frame.
Grit Until the Final Buzzer
True to their identity, the Blues refused to go quietly. Capilano took the fourth quarter 26-19, showcasing the depth of their bench and a "never-quit" attitude. Kash Lang led the starters with a team-high 13 points and 6 rebounds, while Sukhraj Garcha distributed the ball effectively, tallying 7 assists to go along with his 11 points. Zach Klim added 12 points and 5 rebounds.
The bench provided a massive spark, contributing 31 points in total. Daniel Abkenar was hyper-efficient in limited action, providing a late-game surge with 8 points in just 8 minutes on the floor. Anthony Tamburrino also flexed his muscle in the paint, chipping in 10 points and 4 rebounds.
Looking Ahead: The Bronze Medal Match
While the loss stings, the tournament isn't over for the Blues. The focus now shifts immediately to the podium as they prepare for a quick turnaround.
Capilano will face the Okanagan College Coyotes in the Bronze Medal match tomorrow at 3:00 PM. The Coyotes are coming off a tough loss of their own against the Camosun College Chargers, 74-53. For the Blues, tomorrow is about more than just a medal—it's about ending the provincial campaign on a high note and rewarding the collective effort shown throughout the season.
