Heat outscored by NCAA opponent in Langley
The UBC Okanagan Heat women's basketball team opened its 2026-27 preseason with a 72-52 loss to Texas Tech on Aug. 10 at the Langley Events Centre. The contest was only the second time in the Heat program's history it has faced a U.S. National Collegiate Athletic Association opponent, following a meeting with the Nevada Wolf Pack in 2023-24.
The Kelowna-based squad was led in scoring by Kanini Coon, who finished with 10 points. Forward Sydney Lewis contributed seven points and seven rebounds as the Heat tried to match up with the Lady Raiders' size and tempo. Texas Tech’s Rhema Collins paced the Lady Raiders with a game-high 14 points as the NCAA side secured a second consecutive win during its tour.
What the result means for UBCO
Preseason exhibition games against NCAA competition give UBCO a benchmark for the coming season as the Heat continue to build experience against different styles of play. While a loss, the outing supplied the coaching staff and players with an early measure of where the team stands in matchups featuring deeper rosters and varied systems.
From Kelowna’s perspective, the exhibition also serves as an early reminder of the program’s growth: the Heat have now faced U.S. college opponents twice in program history, signalling an expanding schedule that seeks higher-level competition ahead of regular-season play.
Next stops: Calgary Cup and a home opener in Kelowna
The Heat will travel next to the Calgary Cup, a preseason tournament scheduled for Oct. 2. That event will be one of the final tune-ups before UBCO opens the regular season at the Kelowna campus on Oct. 30 against the UNBC Timberwolves.
- Preseason: Langley Events Centre, Aug. 10 — lost 72-52 to Texas Tech
- Preseason tournament: Calgary Cup, Oct. 2
- Regular season opener: Oct. 30 in Kelowna vs. UNBC Timberwolves
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kanini Coon | UBCO Heat | 10 | — |
| Sydney Lewis | UBCO Heat | 7 | 7 |
| Rhema Collins | Texas Tech | 14 | — |
For local fans and the university community, the Oct. 30 home opener in Kelowna will be a focal point of the season. The result in Langley provides both a reality check and a concrete set of practice goals for the weeks ahead: tightening defence, improving offensive efficiency and preparing for the physicality of conference play.
Looking ahead in Kelowna
As the Heat return to training and travel this autumn, their schedule suggests a mix of competitive tests before the regular season begins on campus. Exhibition games like the one against Texas Tech can influence player rotations and the development of team identity — factors that will matter to Kelowna supporters as the team pursues success in the upcoming season.
Fans who follow UBCO basketball will watch for adjustments at both ends of the court, and for how young players and leaders respond to higher-level opposition. The Kelowna community will have an early chance to see those developments in late October when the Heat host the UNBC Timberwolves for the season opener.
