Mariners Wrestle Kodiaks

VIU Mariners vs. Lethbridge Kodiaks – Wednesday March 18, 6:00pm

The PACWEST champion and hosts of the CCAA national championship tournament, the VIU Mariners will meet the ACAC wildcard berth, the Lethbridge Kodiaks to tip off the nationals.

Wednesday night the VIU gymnasium will be rockin’ as the Mariners meet the Kodiaks in what should be a very entertaining game. The Mariners are still buzzing after their buzzer beater win in the PACWEST gold medal game two weeks at Camosun.  They will bring that excitement, refueled by their fan base to the quarterfinal matchup with the Kodiaks. 

During the regular season and into the playoffs the Mariners have had balanced scoring with several different weapons that can put the ball through the hoop.  Due to their high-scoring offence, their defence can be overlooked but make no mistake, their defensive side of the ball is solid.  They are quick to defend, get back very fast during a transition and match up well regardless of the opposition.  Their defence will need to shine this week if they want to have success on the national stage.

The Kodiaks come into the nationals following a loss in the Alberta gold medal game, falling 86-79 to the Keyano Huskies.  During the regular season they finished 15-6, averaging over 83-points a game and shot 43%.  Guard Levi Balderson is their biggest weapon with over 19 points a game, which will draw the attention of the PACWEST Defensive Player of the Year Kai Leighton.   Both teams will match up well which will make it a very entertaining and tight ballgame. 

These two schools last met in 2015 when the tournament was hosted in Hamilton, Ontario.  The Mariners claimed a 66-62 win and would eventually win a national silver medal.  The Kodiaks bounced back after that quarterfinal loss and won bronze that season.

If the Mariners needed any extra motivation, Wednesday evening’s game also marks the final time they will be led by their veteran coaching staff on the national stage and are three wins away from sending them sailing on top of the CCAA.  Matt Kuzminski and his staff informed VIU months ago they would be moving onto the next chapter of their lives following this season.

The winner of Wednesday’s matchup will advance to the semifinal, while the loser moves to the bronze medal side of the bracket.