Let's Bounce

Basketball home openers feature a championship banner raising and a tailgate party before facing off against the Capilano Blues

VIU Mariners Basketball home openers
The VIU Mariners basketball teams open their home portion of the PACWEST schedule against the Capilano Blues on October 26 & 27.
October 26, 2023

NANAIMO, BC - There are plenty of new faces fueling plenty of excitement for the VIU Mariners basketball seasons and home fans will get their first chance to cheer on the 2023-24 Mariners on Thursday, October 26 and Friday, October 27 as VIU hosts the Capilano Blues at the VIU Gym.

  • Game times: 6 p.m. (women) and 8 p.m. (men) on both days.
  • Games will be streamed live at PACWEST.TV.
  • Prior to Thursday's games, the 2022-23 national champion women's team will be recognized with a ceremony and banner raising. Fans are asked to be in their seats by 5:30 p.m.
  • Thursday also features a VIU Students' Union tailgate party between the Student Pub and Gym from 4pm-6pm

The VIU women's squad has a big task in front of it: repeat as CCAA champions. While key contributors Ranika Guyton and C.J. Buckley have completed their college eligibility and PACWEST player of the year Harriette Mackenzie has transferred to Mount Royal (U Sports), a trio of transfers from the United States will look to take on leadership roles. Makayla Kimble (North Carolina) was named VIU women's basketball athlete of the week after season-opening road wins at Douglas College, and she is joined by Kaia Simpson (North Carolina) and Katelynn Forner (Washington). Three-point ace Chloe Scaber returns as VIU's longest-serving veteran.

Fans of the men's team will also notice some high-profile changes: Tori Odom, Richard Henderson, and Landon Radliff have all completed their collegiate careers while Akoi Yuot is exploring basketball opportunities elsewhere in Canada. The Mariners look to be a sharp-shooting team this year with the addition of guards Kaeleb Johnson (Alaska, VIU men's basketball athlete of the week) and Jakob Poulton (Idaho). Forward Adam Anhold (Wisconsin) brings some NCAA Div. I experience to the team while B.C. guards Ryan Bastian and Peter Li look to have a big backcourt presence.

Both VIU teams are 2-0 after the opening weekend of the PACWEST season. The Capilano women are also 2-0 after sweeping the Langara Falcons to start the season while the Blues men went 1-1.

For more information, contact Matt Carter, VIU Communications and Sports Information Coordinator.