Abbotsford, BC…The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades fall 67-56 to the University of Saskatchewan Huskies tonight, at the Envision Athletic Centre, in game two of the best of three Canada West quarterfinal series. Fresh off their win last night, the Cascades looked to sweep the playoff series but a tough Huskie team force game three in Abbotsford tomorrow night. This marks the first loss in the program’s history in Canada West quarterfinal game.
The Huskies came out aggressive, not wanting to be eliminated after game two. Saskatchewan shot well in the first quarter hitting on 49 percent of their shots, UFV would keep pace in the quarter, not falling behind Saskatchewan by more than five points in the first stanza. Momentum seemed to be going the Huskies way evident by a Tracy Holloway, Saskatoon, SK buzzer beater to keep the Huskies up by four points. Saskatchewan then solidified their defense keeping the Cascades at bay for the remainder of the half. UFV had many opportunities to reclaim the lead but Saskatchewan was up to the task tonight holding the high powered UFV offense to minimal shots and pulling down 14 key defensive rebounds.
The leadership of Kayli Sartori, Chilliwack, BC, kept the Cascades in the half with five rebounds, and three key foul shots. Nicole Wierks, Chilliwack, BC, and Aieisha Luyken, Mission, BC, led the half for the Cascades with six points each. Alexa McCarthy, Chilliwack, BC, added four points of her own. UFV shot 32% from the floor and had 15 total rebounds. Uncharacteristic of the CIS’s number four ranked team, UFV turned the ball over 10 times in the half.
Dalyce Emmerson, Prince Albert, SK led the Huskies with 10 points . Kelsey Trulsrud, Saskatoon, SK added 7 points and 6 rebounds as nine different Huskies scored at least one point in the half. The Huskies would end the half shooting an excellent 49 percent.
Down by 10 points going into the third quarter, UFV continued to struggle with their offense, matching their first half shot percentage from the floor at 32. The Huskies, who shot 39 percent in the second half, played a conservative half holding the Cascades in check and going into the fourth quarter held onto their double digit lead. The Huskies would not be denied an opportunity for game three as Riley Humbert, Saskatoon, SK and Trulsrud hit key fourth quarter baskets to give the visiting team an 11 point victory.
Nicole Wierks led all Cascades with 17 points. Luyken added 12 as they were the only two Cascades in double figures tonight. Sartori hit for 9 points and led UFV with 9 boards.
Emmerson finished the night with 16 points, followed by Humbert’s 15 and Trulsrud’s 10 points. The Huskies received balance scoring as Coach Jill Humbert saw 10 different Huskies score in her first ever Huskie post season victory.
Tomorrow night’s contest starts at 7pm, the winner goes onto the Canada West “Final Four”, the loser is eliminated from the Canada West tournament.
UFV Cascades Canada West Quarterfinal Schedule
(Best 2 out of 3 series)
Women at Abbotsford, BC (EAC)
Thursday, February 21 Huskies 58 @ Cascades 65
Friday, February 22 Huskies 67 @ Cascades 56
Saturday, February 23 Huskies @ Cascades 7pm
Source: J Mah
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