The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack have solidified their hold on first place in the Canada West Women's Basketball League Explorer Division.

For the second night in a row, the WolfPack downed the second place MacEwan University Griffins of Edmonton, Alberta by 10 points. On Saturday night on the Warner Rentals Court at the Tournament Capital Centre, the score was 71-61.

"I am very proud of the girls," said Thompson Rivers head coach Scott Reeves. "We didn't shoot the ball as well tonight but neither did they.  I think it was a grind it out affair.  Both teams expended a lot of energy last night."

Reeves says he had to make adjustments because he knew MacEwen Coach Rob Poole would. "He is a coach  who makes adjustments that. I knew that he was going to change up how he guarded us last night.  He did. It was just recognizing that and making changes ourselves."

The teams were tied at 15 after the first quarter. The 'Pack were up 35-34 at the half.  In the second half, Thompson Rivers outscored the Griffins 36-32.

Leading the way for the now 13-1 WolfPack was Jorri Duxbury (fifth year, guard, Salmon Arm, BC).

Duxbury was named the TRU Bookstore/McDonald's Leader of the Pack Player of the Game with 21 points, five rebounds, three assists, four steals and two blocks.

Kassie Colonna (third year, forward, Invermere, BC) had 16 points while Taiysa Worsfold (fourth year, forward, Kamloops, BC) added 12 points.

Michelle Bos (first year, guard, Surrey, BC) added 10 rebounds-nine on defense.

MacEwan (now 10-4)  had three players in double figures.  Megan Wood (fourth year, forward, Edmonton, AB) and Kayla Ivicak (first year, guard, St.Albert, AB) both had 14 points while Kendall Lydon (third year, guard, Chehalis WA) added 10 points.

Kelly Fagan (fourth year, forward, Vancouver, BC) added 12 rebounds, 11 on defense.

Reeves says the success of the squad thus far has been a team effort and he gives credit to what he calls the best bench he has had since he took over the WolfPack program nearly a decade ago.  "They put out a great effort in practice. They are always challenging each other. Even during the game they are calling out to the players on the floor. They are a part of something real special here."

"We are as deep a team as we have ever been," Reeves continued on the exploits of his reserves. "And with five freshmen that is saying a lot."

With the weekend sweep of MacEwan, the 'Pack seem to have themselves in a good position to wind up in top spot with two weeks to go.  "Right now the only team who realistically could catch us is MacEwan if we lose the next six games. If we lose three games and wind up with four losses and they have the same number of losses as us, we win the tie breaker (winning three of four in the regular season). It was huge that we swept. If we would have lost tonight and split this they would own the tie break. We would have had to win out at Fraser Valley the final weekend of the season.  We need to win three of six down the stretch to clinch first. "

The WolfPack are on the road next weekend in Kelowna, BC against the University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat.  They then return for their final home games at the TCC on Feb. 6-7 against the Mount Royal Cougars.

MacEwan will be in Prince George next weekend taking on UNBC.