‘Cason Scott Effect’ helps undefeated TRU WolfPack storm into U Sports top 10

Gremaud and Scott, former Westsyde Whundas, were clashing for the first time in the Canada West ranks.

“They’re always going to show out at Westsyde,” Scott said. “That’s kind of how we are. We’re known for being the obnoxious school, if you will, in the city. And we kind of get a bad rap for our crowd. It’s good to see that transfer over and have everyone come up here and support us.”

Scott registered 18 points and seven rebounds in a 70-51 victory on Friday.

“The atmosphere was electric,” Jacobson said. “Seeing that kind of turnout and getting that kind of support from the community means a lot to us.”

On Saturday, with 750 fans in attendance, Jacobson tapped Scott to make his first Canada West start and he delivered, setting the tone early and emphatically with a two-hand slam to open the scoring.

“I think it gave us a little spark,” Scott said. “It definitely gave me a spark and had me feeling pretty good to start the game.”

Scott set the program record for points in a game by a rookie, with 28, adding eight rebounds in an 81-66 win over the visitors from Langley.

“I didn’t really do much to make that happen,” said Scott, who was named Canada West men’s basketball player of the week on Tuesday. “My teammates were finding me. I didn’t have to force it at all. They’re just finding me in open spots.”

Added Jacobson: “The real special thing about Cason is that he’s humble. He’s a fun player to watch. He’s truly a joy to coach. He means a lot to our team.”

Gremaud collected nine rebounds and five points on the weekend, with his Spartans dropping to 2-6 on the campaign.

TRU (7-0) is the only team in the conference that boasts a perfect record and one of three undefeated squads in the nation.

The WolfPack are pegged among the top 10 Canadian men’s university basketball teams for the first time since 2016, slotted 10th in the latest U Sports rankings.

“In our minds, they still ranked us at 14,” Scott said of a pre-season Canada West coaches’ poll. “And we’re still trying to prove that wrong. So that number 10, we’re not satisfied with it.”

Scott missed his team’s first three regular season contests due to an injury suffered in the pre-season opener.

Without his services, TRU swept UBC in Vancouver for the first time in program history. The Thunderbirds are 4-2 and ranked fifth in the country

TRU has a chance to make another statement this weekend, this time with the help of its blue-chip recruit (the one who received rare treatment with a player-signing press conference in April).

The WolfPack are twice scheduled to host the No. 3 Victoria Vikes (5-2), with game times set for 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday.

“Victoria is the defending national champion,” Jacobson said. “They’re a really good basketball team. They’re well coached. They’re talented. They’re deep. It’s not going to be easy. But, you know, I think we’re going to be ready for it.”

by Marty Hastings

‘Cason Scott Effect’ helps undefeated TRU WolfPack storm into U Sports top 10

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