One day after handing the third-ranked Victoria Vikes their first loss of the season — the second time in as many games they did so to a ranked opponent — the Trinity Western Spartans turned selfish and the result was a 85-59 loss and a weekend split.
"We played a very selfish game," said Trinity Western coach Scott Allen, following the loss on Saturday afternoon.
"Having only eight assists and committing 24 turnovers was our issue.
"As the game went on, we became more and more individuals and we will need to make appropriate changes prior to the second half of the season."
Both games were played at the Langley Events Centre with the results improving Victoria to 9-1 while Trinity Western sits at 5-5 in Canada West men's basketball conference action.
"With our difficult schedule we have had a great first half and we need to build on this and keep improving," Allen said.
In the opener on the Friday (Nov. 29) night, the Spartans led 22-13 after one quarter, but the offence dried up in the second as they were held to four points and trailed 30-26 at the half. But Trinity Western found its game in the second half, and held on for a 60-57 win.
The Spartans were led by Mark Perrin's 18 points, including what turned out to be the game-winning three-pointer from 10 feet beyond the arc in the final minute of play.
It was one of four three-pointers he hit in his first game back from injury.
In Saturday's rematch, the Vikes outscored the Spartans in all four quarters, leading by 10, 19, 22 and finally 26 points.
Kelvin Smith came off the bench to score 14 to lead the Spartans while Justin Bakuteka and Robert Rodriguez had 11 and 10 points, respectively.