The UNB Varsity Reds didn't want to see a repeat of Friday night's performance, and battled their way to a 63-61 victory this afternoon at the Dalplex.
It wasn't a pretty game with neither team shot particularly well, especially the Tigers who shot 35.7% on the day.
UNB got out to an early lead in the first quarter, forcing many turnovers by a sloppy Tigers team. The Tigers battled back at the end of the quarter, grabbing four consecutive offensive boards which led to a last second bucket by Melissa Ellis, and the Tigers led 18-17 after the first quarter.
Grace Wade, who had 6 of her 17 points in the first half, helped UNB gain the edge in the second quarter and they led 30-28 after the first half.
The Tigers exploded in the third quarter and started with an 11-0 run, powered by nine straight points by guard Courtney Thompson.
The Varsity Reds led 45-42 going into the fourth quarter, but the Tigers didn't want to let the same team that they beat the day before by 26 to simply coast to a win
Colleen Daley hit a three with 1:36 left in the fourth quarter that put UNB up 63-61. Rebecca Nuttall had a critical turnover with 33 seconds left that gave UNB possession.
Tessa Stammberger then stole a UNB pass that led to a jump ball, which luckily went in the Tiger's favor. The Tigers took the ball up the court and swung the ball to Shaylyn Field, who was open in the corner. Her attempt from three was far off, and hit the side of the backboard.
UNB mishandled the ball, which led to a Tigers inbound on the baseline with 2.8 seconds left. Rebecca Nuttall caught the inbound pass at the elbow and fired a last second jumper, but her shot rattled off the rim and the Varsity Reds took the game 63-61.
Courtney Thompson had a game-high 19 points on the day and added four rebounds and four assists for the Tigers.
UNB's bench provided them with the scoring punch they desperately needed, and they outscored the Tigers bench 40-7.
Both teams are now 1-1 on the season.