VICTORIA – The University of Victoria women's basketball team kept it close, but was unable to overcome a final fourth-quarter push by the undefeated University of Saskatchewan, falling to the Huskies 69-61 Jan. 26 at CARSA Performance Gym.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Makena Anderson opened the game scoring with a jumper before Saskatchewan responded with a layup to make the score 2-2 with 8:51 to play in the first quarter.
- A quick 6-0 run from the Huskies gave the visiting side an 18-9 advantage with just over 1:30 to play in the first frame, leading to a 21-9 lead after the first 10 minutes of play.
- Saskatchewan extended their lead to 18 points, 28-10 over the first three minutes of the second quarter before an Abigail Becker free throw, Tana Pankratz three and Anderson jumper made the score 28-16 with 6:15 to go until the half.
- Continuing to chip away at Sask's lead, the Vikes ended the second quarter on a 7-0 run from a Sierra Reisig three, Pankratz free throw and Karis de Paiva three to make the score 37-29 in favour of the Huskies at the half.
- Though Saskatchewan scored the first point of the third quarter, the Vikes responded with a Pankratz three and Brooklyn White free throw to bring the lead within five, 38-33, with 8:52 to go in the third quarter.
- Taking advantage of strong defence holding the Huskies scoreless, Tegan MacKinnon started a seven-point run for the Vikes with a three. Followed by a Pankratz free throw, MacKinnon nailed a second three-pointer to complete the run and put the Vikes in front, 50-49 with 1:22 remaining in the third quarter.
- Saskatchewan scored the final four points of the third to hold a 53-50 lead going into the fourth quarter.
- Unable to catch up to the Huskies over the final 10 minutes, the Vikes ultimately fell, 69-61.
WORTH NOTING
- Pankratz finished with team-highs in points (14), rebounds (7), and assists (5).
- MacKinnon recorded a season-high 12 points for the Vikes, going 3-5 from behind the three-point line.
- Anderson finished with 11 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 25 minutes on the floor.
- The No. 1-ranked Huskies remain unbeaten at 15-0 while the Vikes move to 4-9 after the first-of-two games this weekend.
UP NEXT
The Vikes and Huskies complete the two-game series tomorrow, Jan. 27 at 5 p.m. at CARSA Performance Gym.