UBC creates ‘basketball festival’ by combining men’s, women’s U Sports championships
U Sports is gearing up for its own version of March madness, as Canada’s university men’s and women’s basketball championships will be played simultaneously for the first time on the Point Grey campus at the University of British Columbia. UBC athletic director Kavie Toor is excited about the ground-breaking event, expecting it to feel like a basketball festival similar to the popular U.S. March Madness.
The men’s and women’s Final 8 tournaments will take place from Thursday through Sunday at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre and War Memorial Gymnasium. Live coverage of both championships will be available on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem. The game schedules will be intertwined, with women’s games leading into men’s games and vice versa, showcasing full integration of both tournaments.
Toor expressed his hope that this event will set a new path forward for university sports in Canada, with other schools taking notice and considering dual championships in the future. Despite facing logistical challenges, UBC successfully lobbied U Sports to add a day to the men’s tournament to accommodate the simultaneous championships.
In addition to the games, the basketball festival at UBC will feature a women in sports panel called She’s Got Next, a coaching clinic with Toronto Raptors assistant Jama Mahlalela, and basketball camps in Indigenous communities. The Larry O’Brien Trophy will also make an appearance, adding to the excitement of the event.
For basketball fans in Vancouver, this weekend will be a celebration of the sport, offering a unique opportunity to witness high-level university basketball. With both UBC teams earning their spots in the tournament through qualification, rather than as host teams, the competition promises to be fierce. The men’s team will face UPEI while the women’s team will take on Saint Mary’s in the quarterfinals.
Playing on home court can be both an advantage and a challenge, as the Thunderbirds will have the support of their fans but also face the pressure of performing well in front of a home crowd. Toor emphasized the importance of staying focused and not letting the excitement of the event impact their performance on the court.
With a strong record for both teams, UBC will rely on their depth and teamwork to navigate the tournament. Instead of relying on individual stars, the coaching staffs are focused on ensuring that the players are well-prepared and maintain their composure under pressure.
Overall, this event marks a significant milestone for Canadian university basketball, bringing together the best men’s and women’s teams in one place for the first time ever at UBC. It promises to be an exciting weekend of basketball and a unique opportunity for fans to witness the sport at its grassroots best.
