University of Victoria’s Vikes men’s basketball team has won its third Canada West title in a row — which is the second time the team has achieved this feat.
Between 1978-1980, the Vikes became the first men’s basketball team to win three consecutive Canada West titles, then went on to win it four more times in a row through to 1984.
UVic remains the only school to accomplish three wins in a row for the Canada West title.
On Sunday, Winnipeg took the lead for most of the game. By the end of the first quarter, Winnipeg was winning 33-15, then the Vikes closed the gap at half with a score of 52-46.
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MBB | It's time to crown a CW champion in Winnipeg.
An ELECTRIC atmosphere at the IGAC, as the home crowd fuels @Wesmenathletics early!
Winnipeg leads Victoria 52-46 at half. pic.twitter.com/azlrFW3jWQ
— Canada West (@CanadaWest) February 26, 2024
By the end of the game, the Vikes took the lead and won 96-91, securing the team’s third Canada West title in a row.
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MBB | IT’S A VICTORIA THREE-PEAT
The @uvicvikes are undeniable, coming back to claim their third CW crown in a row! #WonTheWest pic.twitter.com/K9UruS3NVC
— Canada West (@CanadaWest) February 26, 2024
This is also UVic’s 18th time winning the title.
Renoldo Robinson was named player of the game, scoring 33 points. Robinson also scored a three pointed at the end of the third quarter which put the Vikes in the lead of 68-65.
“There are so many good teams in our conference, as was displayed here this weekend,” Craig Beauchamp, the team’s head coach said in a news release.
“I think the biggest testament for me is the quality of teams in Canada West- for us to find a way to scratch out three wins in a row is obviously a great accomplishment, but we also have bigger aspirations and would like to another step when we get to the national tournament.”
Both teams will advance to the nationals in Laval, which will take place March 8-10.
READ MORE FROM 2023: South Island sports teams eye up championship games
Laura Brougham
