The VIU Mariners men's and women's basketball teams both enter the PACWEST provincials as number one seeds. (VIU Mariners)

By Dan Marshall

Prepared for Provincials

VIU men’s basketball team goes for back to back provincial titles

Feb 28, 2025 | 10:20 AM

NANAIMO — The VIU men’s Mariners are gunning for their second straight PACWEST provincial basketball championship and their third in four years.

Coach Matt Kuzminski said his first place team will have their season defined by their performance at the provincial tournament.

“We’re excited. It’s a long regular season and we did a good job improving all around with a 21-3 record and earning the number one seed. We’ve overcome a lot of adversity. The challenges have been there but the group has stayed together and we’ve gotten better and closer as a team.”

The Mariners will take on the CBC Bearcats in the semi finals Friday, Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. at Capilano University.

Kuzminski noted CBC will present a challenge with their size and play inside but his team is filled with players who know what it takes to win big games.

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“We’re fortunate enough to have some players with PACWEST experience. Guys who have won and lost in the PACWEST final and made national tournament appearances. Experience is the best teacher to let you know as a group how important all the little details are.”

To get to the CCAA national tournament the Mariners will have to win their semi and then defeat the winner between Camosun and Capilano in the gold medal game Saturday, Mar. 1.

Before the tournament, VIU men’s standout Kam Bender was honoured as the men’s PACWEST player of the year and a first team all-star.

Kai Leighton was chosen as a first team all-star and Kaeleb Johnson made the second team.

The VIU women are also chasing a PACWEST gold medal for the second time in three years.

Tony Bryce’s squad put up a dominant performance, going 21-1 to finish first in the regular season.

VIU will play the host team from Capilano in the semi finals Feb. 28 at 5:30 p.m.

Bryce did not return a request for interview prior to deadline.

The Mariners will be lead by recently selected first team all-star Harriette Mackenzie and second team all-star Makayla Cox.

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