Golden Bears Basketball headed to semis after strong showing against UFV

The University of Alberta Golden Bears handled the University of Fraser Valley (UFV) 80-66 on February 14 at Saville, taking control early and never giving the Cascades a real window to flip the script. It was hard fought, and structured ball. They built their game off a strong foundation of physicality and discipline, and it paid off.

The stats

Alberta shot 45.5 per cent from the field and 34.6 per cent from three. Fraser Valley shot 30.8 per cent overall and just five-for-29 from deep. That gap, especially on the perimeter, created separation that UFV could not close even while going an impressive 21-for-24 at the free throw line.

Kyle Varner set the tone offensively, posting 21 points and five threes on nine attempts. When UFV sagged, he made them pay. When Varner is hot, he is unstoppable, and Saturday was one of those days. It was controlled, efficient scoring.

Isaac Simon followed with 19 points on eight-for-16 shooting, adding five assists and six rebounds. He was not just a scorer in this one, he helped steady possessions when Alberta got loose with the ball. The Bears did cough it up 21 times, but quick resettling and composure kept those mistakes from turning into momentum swings. His unmatched ability to drive through the paint was on full display.

Fahad Yusuf chipped in 12 points and five boards, while Caiden Kushnir quietly grabbed 10 rebounds. Alberta finished plus 10 on the glass, 46-36, and held UFV to just four second-chance points. In a playoff setting, limiting extra possessions is often the difference between a comfortable win and a fourth-quarter grind.

The Cascades had one clear offensive engine. Dario Lopez scored 24 and tried to drag his team back into it in the second quarter. Outside of Lopez and Bennett O’Connor’s 12 points, consistent scoring never materialized. Alberta’s length on the wings and willingness to switch disrupted UFV’s rhythm. Alberta’s discipline on defence held the Cascades to just 26 points in the paint.

Alberta built the cushion in consistently throughout the game. An early run created breathing room. A third-quarter push extended it to double digits. By the fourth, the Bears seemed to be enjoying their lead. Even when UFV slightly trimmed the gap, the deficit never dropped back into single digits.

The job is not done

With the quarterfinal secured, Alberta moves on to the Canada West semifinal next weekend. The University of Victoria’s dominant win against Trinity Western University sends the Bears on the road for their next battle. The Vikes’ 20-0 season is no small feat, and the team knows that.

This semifinal round will be a high-stakes test of Alberta’s entire system, but don’t count an upset out of the cards. This team has proven it can take over games, no matter the competition.

Either way, Saturday showed what Alberta can lean on. Balanced scoring, rebounding control, and defensive discipline. They do not need one player to score 25 (although Varner came close), instead, they need structure and reliable shooting.

If they find that again next week, they will give themselves a real chance to keep playing for weeks to come.