With just two weekends remaining in the PACWEST regular season, the Capilano Blues may have just proven something important to themselves.

Capilano earned a weekend split at Vancouver Island University (VIU) on a Feb. 7-8 trip to Nanaimo, handing the CCAA No. 4-ranked Mariners just their second loss of the season. After dropping the Friday opener by a 90-74 score, the Blues rallied to defeat the Mariners 93-83 Saturday.

The second game of the weekend doubleheader featured contributions from up and down the lineup as each starter scored in double digits and Ajaypal Hayer scoring 13 off the bench.

A dominant first half paved the way Saturday for Capilano as they built a 47-29 lead at halftime on the strength of 12 points from Russell Curley and seven from Zach Klim, including his first three-pointer of the season.

VIU was a motivated side coming out of the break and scored 35 in the third quarter, keyed by Kameron Bender who dropped 10 of his game-high 25. Capilano was able to keep pace, with the third quarter being their highest scoring of the afternoon as Curley added eight more including a pair of threes and Ahmad Athman scored seven of his 16.

The Blues maintained their 10-point advantage the rest of the way home, getting seven from Kash Lang in the fourth on his way to a 15-point, nine-rebound outing.

Damein Coleman did a bit of everything for CapU Saturday. The reigning PACWEST Defensive Player of the Year had 14 points, nine assist and two blocks while pulling down three boards.

Friday’s game saw VIU overcome an early deficit with Bender and Kaeleb Johnson combining for 50 points. The Mariners filled it up in the second and third quarters to put themselves in command. Coleman had 16 points and nine rebounds for the Blues.

Next up for Capilano is a trip to Okanagan College for games Feb. 14 and 15 against the Coyotes. They finish the schedule at home Feb. 21-22 against Camosun.