Feb 19, 2013
The Falcons men's basketball team celebrate their record-breaking season. Photo: Thorsten Gohl.
Vancouver, BC – The Langara Falcons men’s basketball team has flown to a first place finish this year, after bringing home 20 victories in the regular season – a feat no PACWEST team has ever managed before.
The student-athletes defeated Capilano and Quest this weekend, securing their place at the top of the standings as they head to the Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST) provincial championships next weekend. The team only surrendered one loss through the entire season, and are currently ranked second in the country Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association.“I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished this season,” commented head coach Paul Eberhardt. “We are all very excited as we head in to the playoffs February 28 to March 2 at Camosun.”
Coach Eberhardt’s sentiments were proved on Friday night, where the Falcons achieved a commanding win over Capilano, scoring 90 to the Blues’ 69. Third-year guard Elliott Mason led the way with 20 points, including a perfect six for six from the foul line. Also scoring in double figures were third-year guard Jeff Chu, second-year guard/forward Jesse Jeffers, and third-year center Devin McMurty.
On Saturday the Falcons men squared off against the third-place Quest Kermodes for an intense game that saw both times hit the court running. The first quarter was a challenge, with Langara clinging to a 24-22 lead after 10 minutes. But the second quarter saw some tougher defense from the Falcons and they pushed the lead to 45-37 by halftime.
The third quarter was a game-changer, with the men displaying “some of their best basketball of the year” according to Coach Eberhardt. After only two minutes they had increased their lead to a whopping 20 points, and they went on to outscore the Kermodes 30 to 8 in the quarter. The torrid scoring pace continued in the fourth quarter as both teams put up 30 and Langara went on to win 105 to 75. Jeff Chu had another very strong game leading the Falcons with 22 points, 12 assists, and 7 rebounds.
“Jeff is such a tough player,” noted Coach Ebe. “He is so fit and so strong, and he can play both the point guard and shooting guard positions for us.” Chu’s awesome performance earned him the PACWEST Player of the Week nomination this week. Third-year center Jitinder Lohcham chipped in with 14 points and 7 rebounds, while Jesse Jeffers had another great game with 12 points and 7 rebounds.
The Falcons men's basketball team head to Camosun College on Vancouver Island for the PACWEST provincial championships from February 28 to March 2. Watch an interview with Jeff Chu and Coach Ebe, shot by the Falcons photographer Thorsten Gohl and interviewer Charlotte Lau:
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Annie Mullins
Communications Officer
Communications & Marketing
T 604.323.5058
amullins@langara.bc.ca