Volcanoes not invincible

The fourth quarter rally of the Volcanoes of outscoring the visiting Titans by 19 was not enough to bring them back to extend their winning streak to seven games, losing 124-117.

The Volcanoes are now 4-2 at home with an overall record of 10-7.

"This loss keeps us grounded," Volcanoes guard Andre Murray said. "We went on our six game winning streak and we were expecting teams to just give us the win."

Murray contributed with 18 points in his first game back since an injury to his thumb on his shooting hand four games ago.

"I was just happy to get back out on the court and try to contribute," Murray said.

The club normally averages 22 assists per game, but at the game on Friday they ended up with a season low of 11 assists, while the Titans had 21.

"This loss will be a learning experience that will get our guys fired up and I expect them to be even hungrier in our future games," Volcanoes head coach Bryan Hunter said.

Another strong game for the Volcanoes' bench; they contributed 55 points. Alex Tiefenthaler sunk eight of his 11 attempts to lead the team with 25 points, and grabbed 11 rebounds total.

According to Hunter, the Volcanoes' 6'9" utility player, Tiefenthaler, can do it all.

"He had a great game and I have been waiting for this breakout game to come for him where he can just come out and shine," Hunter said.

The Volcanoes have a defense that overwhelms most of their opponents as they normally average 33 defensive rebounds per game. But in the loss against the Titans they ended the game with 26 defensive rebounds and 51 total.

"I think as a team we need to rebound harder," Bryson McKenzie said.

McKenzie ended his game with 20 points and 8 rebounds.

"I really hate to loose [at home]," McKenzie said. "This is our court and we like to take care of it."

The Titans scored a total of 76 points in the second and third quarter combined.

"The defense was horrible," said Hunter. "76 points is a game for some teams, we have held some teams to that many in four quarters."

The Volcanoes look to improve their season with their final four home games and two road games. To view the rest of the schedule visit vancouvervolcanoes.com.

"I hope we can turn this loss into a positive," Hunter said. "We can use it as an eye-opener to not get ahead of ourselves."

Contact Katie Unverzagt at kunve4441@students.clark.edu.