LETHBRIDGE – Looking to complete the Alberta swing trip sweep, a big third quarter lifted the visiting University of Victoria Vikes women's basketball team to just that, defeating the Lethbridge Pronghorns 65-58 at the 1st Choice Savings Centre.
 
BOX SCORE
 
The loss is the 'Horns sixth in a row and drops their record to 5-13 on the season with only two weeks remaining on the schedule. For the Vikes, the win was important in their quest for top spot in the Pacific Division; matching wins by the UBC Thunderbirds and Fraser Valley Cascades to remain in a three-way tie for first place at 13-5.
 
For the second consecutive night, fourth-year post Kim Veldman registered a double-double to lead the 'Horns attack with 19 points and 12 rebounds, but tonight she had some company as fifth-year guard Katlyn Olsen also recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
 
In the win the Vikes also received a pair of double-double performances as Jenna Bugiardini led her team with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Sarah Semeniuk chipped in with a 14 point and 11 rebound night.
 
In a tale of two halves, both teams opened the game playing solid defensively and the opening half was a grinding, low scoring affair. The two teams combined for just eight points in the opening five minutes of action.
 
With slightly more efficient offensive possessions for the remainder of the opening half, the Vikes held a 13-8 lead at the first break only to see the 'Horns battle back in the second quarter and tie the score at 22 at half.
 
After combining for 44 points in the opening half, the 'Horns and Vikes put up a combined 42 points in the third, but it was the Vikes who would take advantage, scoring 24 of those points to hold a six point lead.
 
Despite opening the fourth with a good run to cut the Vikes lead to a single point, the 'Horns were unable to make important shots and get defensive stops when needed. Following the 'Horns quarter opening run, the Vikes went on a 11-1 run to push the lead to 10 and hold off the 'Horns for the victory down the stretch.
 
The 'Horns finished the night hitting only 20 of 69 attempts for 29% from the floor, while a solid 45.2% from the floor in the second half pushed the Vikes nightly percentage to 36.7% (22 for 60).
 
Heading out on the road next weekend, the 'Horns will travel to Brandon to face the Bobcats, while the Vikes will return home next weekend to host the Thompson Rivers WolfPack.
 
SCORING SUMMARY
UVIC: 13-9-24-19 : 65
LETH: 8-14-18-18 : 58
 
SCORING LEADERS
UVIC: Jenna Bugiardini (18), Sarah Semeniuk (14), Shaylyn Crisp (11)
LETH: Kim Veldman (19). Katlyn Olsen (14), Ali Cameron (10)