Calgary, Alberta…The University of Calgary Dinos women’s basketball team defeated the CIS number one ranked UFV Cascades, 79-69, in Canada West regular season action in Calgary, Alberta. With the victory, Calgary moves into a three-way tie with UFV and the Regina Cougars, who lost tonight to the Victoria Vikes, 61-58, for the best record in Canada West at 11-2. The Cascades sit alone in first place in the Pacific Division, while Calgary and Regina are tied for first place in the Prairie Division. The Cascades road record falls to 5-2.
Tonight’s game lived up to all expectations as two of Canada West’s top women’s basketball programs went head to head in Calgary tonight. The teams traded baskets early and played tremendous defense holding the score to 12-10, in Calgary’s favor after the first quarter. The Cascades came alive in the second quarter scoring their highest point total of the night, 21, while continuing to shut down the Dinos and go into the break up by their largest lead of the night five points. UFV shot 35 percent in the half.
The second half started the way the first half ended with great defense. Calgary chipped away at UFV’s small lead and tied the game midway through the quarter. The lead would change hands several times before the third quarter ended with game tied at 49 each. The fourth quarter was one of the most exciting quarters UFV has been involved with, it brought back memories of their double overtime victory in November (88-82) against UBC. The lead did change hands several times but it was the “playoff like” atmosphere within the Jack Simpson Gym coupled with great defense keeping both high powered offenses in check that led to a 61 all tie and overtime. UFV again was consistent shooting 35 percent from the floor in the second half.
UFV playing in its third ever overtime Canada West regular season game (a loss to Winnipeg, 79-70, in 2011 and the UBC win earlier this year) were out shot by a determined Dino team that went 5 for 5 from the floor for a 100 percent shooting average. The Cascades would keep in close in the first two minutes of the overtime but midway through Calgary had built up a ten point lead which they held onto winning 79-69.
The Cascades were led by Kayli Sartori, Chilliwack, BC with a 19 point performance. Sarah Wierks, Chilliwack, BC added 16 points and pulled down a team high 15 boards. Aieisha Luyken, Mission, BC chipped in with 9 points and 5 steals. The Cascades shot 42 percent in the overtime.
“We didn’t match Calgary’s energy or determination tonight. Give them full credit for taking that game away from us. We have a lot to learn about teams coming after us and rising to the occasion. I think we were all disappointed by our performance tonight,” commented Al Tuchscherer UFV’s head coach.
Comments are closed.