CALGARY - The Mount Royal University Cougars opened their weekend against the University of Victoria Vikes with a close match on Kenyon Court. With just seconds to spare, the Cougars took the lead and won 66-64. 

The game bumped the Cougars up to a record of 3-4, while the Vikes now hold a record of 5-2. 

Victoria's third year guard Ashlyn Day led her team with 22 points scored, six of them field goals. Mount Royal's leader was second year guard Maddison Hooper, ending with 13 total points, four of them field goals and three 3-pointers. 

The first quarter opened with a layup by Cougars' Charity Marlatt. They traded points, both favouring layups until a 13-13 tie with one minute remaining. Victoria stole the lead with two good free throws by guard Kristy Gallagher, ending the quarter 15-13. 

The Cougars once again opened the quarter with Jordan Blaskin landing a jumper. The score remained close until Day scored a point of her own and they ran away with the lead. Tana Pankratz solidified their hold of the quarter with a jumper with 20 seconds to spare, ending 34-26. 

Mount Royal struggled to close the gap in the third, the Vikes taking advantage of some quick layup opportunities. However, thanks to a couple swift 3-pointers, Cougars' Jordan Blaskin and Sarah Rinsky were able to sneak Mount Royal into the lead. Control of the court wobbled until the Vikes came out two points ahead, 50-48. 

The final quarter had an uncertain outcome as they once again traded points, never straying more than three points from each other. At the one minute mark, Vikes' Gallagher tied the score 64-64. With three second remaining, Cougars' Abbey Gillette nailed two free throws to secure their lead. The Vikes' made one final attempt at a buzzer beater to end the game, but found the rim instead. 

The Cougars took the game 66-64. 

They face off again Saturday, November 30, at 4 p.m. MST on Kenyon Court. It will be broadcasted live on CanadaWest.tv, presented by Co-op.