The VIU Mariners have won all 19 games they've played this basketball season. Following an 81-78 win over Capilano in the PACWEST gold medal game at Columbia Place in Abbotsford, the Mariners have qualified for the CCAA Nationals. (Gibi Saini)

By Dan Marshall

Mariners Are Golden

Mariners win PACWEST title at men’s basketball provincials

Mar 7, 2022 | 2:43 PM

NANAIMO — The VIU Mariners men’s basketball team has been unbeatable this season.

Following a spectacular 17-0 campaign in 2021-22 season, the Nanaimo based VIU squad beat Langara 98-80 in the semi-final and squeaked by Capilano 81-78 at PACWEST provincials on March 4 and 5.

The Mariners averaged 99 points in the regular season but coach Matt Kuzminski said scoring was at a premium at provincials in Abbotsford.

“It was a very intense weekend with battles that pushed us right to the brink. The guys faced some adversity and scoring wasn’t coming easy. They found ways to win when it was a bit more of a grind,” Kuzminski told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Fifth year player Cameron Gay was named the Tournament MVP at provincials while Akoi Yuot and Tori Odom, who was VIU’s top scorer, were named tournament all-stars.

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Kuzminski noted Gay is a player who has stepped up in key moments many times over his career.

“He’s been there before and his experience and his leadership have really shone through, its been great.”

The Mariners will have a longer than usual break before the CCAA nationals which start on March 25 in Toronto.

The reason is because other provinces have had their seasons delayed because of varying COVID-19 restrictions.

“It’s a long break when you consider a basketball season, it’s almost like the Christmas break so we’re going to have to find some ways to stay sharp,” Kuzminski said. “Our day in and day out approach is going to help in the way we practice and the way we train.”

VIU will enter the nationals as tournament favourites as the top ranked team in the country.

Kuzminski said his team will continue to take a one day at a time approach on the national stage.

“We’re humble enough to know we’re going to have to work for everything we get. When we sat down at the start of the year our goal was to win a national championship, but the narrative we’re going to create and get our guys to focus on is being prepared to play the first opponent we play and take it from there.”

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