“I believe that we will win”: Vikes at the U Sports Men’s Basketball National Championships
By Eli and Justin
Move over, NCAA – the U Sports Men’s Basketball National Championships are being held this year in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and our very own Vikes had a chance of bringing home the trophy.
The UVic vs. UPEI game was a nail-biter that came down to the wire with some clutch buckets from Diego Maffia, crucial offensive rebounds from Dominick Oliveri, and a big defensive stop from Renoldo Robinson. In the end UVic came out on top winning the game 93-92. After the close game, Vikes coach Craig Beaucamp said:
“We have been in so many games like this where we just find a way and tonight we had to find a way. It’s about surviving and advancing. And we advanced.”
While we were waiting for the game to start, we had a little tournament at the watch party of our own: answering Vikes-related trivia for some prizes!
But of course, we can’t forget about the students back home that were cheering on our hometown boys. University Food Services along with Vikes Athletics and Recreation held a special viewing party at The Cove.
While the game was delayed by just under an hour, we caught up with some students at the watch party and asked them why they were supporting our school:
Justin and Eli
“I’m a huge basketball fan in general,” one student told us. “U Sports in general. I’ve been to every home game, and even when they’re not playing in Victoria, I’m streaming all the away games online!” (This student also won a hat by answering some Vikes-related trivia, so we know they mean business.)
“The energy’s completely different [at a home game],” another student said. “Even if you’re not a basketball fan, you’re a fan of the school you go to, so it’s just fun to cheer them on.”
And when we asked who would win? “What kind of question is that,” one student laughed. “Vikes, obviously!”
We pushed further: “Right, but are you just saying that just because you go to UVic or do you actually think they’re gonna win?”
“Oh, they’re gonna win.” And sure enough, they did.
Go Vikes Go!
