(Halifax, N.S.) – A 22-point third quarter helped the Memorial Seahawks (9-6) top the Dalhousie Tigers (2-13) 72-48 on Friday night at the Dalplex.
The Tigers came out of halftime up 35-30, before Memorial tightened up their defence – going on a 9-0 run to start the third – and didn't look back.
The first quarter was closely contested, with both teams shooting 41.2 percent from the field.
Memorial jumped out to an early 13-6 lead, recording a number of baskets in transition, before Dalhousie responded with a 9-3 run to end the quarter.
The Tigers play on the defensive end was critical in the opening 10 minutes, as they registered 10 defensive rebounds, while the Seahawks were unable to grab a single offensive board. Guard Michele Tchiakoua (Montreal, QC) was the catalyst, with five rebounds.
Memorial was led on the offensive end by guard Sydney Stewart (Sarnia, ON), who went 3-for-5 from the field, recording a team leading six points as the visitors went entered the second quarter up by one, due in large part to their fast-break play.
The second quarter was a back-and-forth affair as well. The Seahawks were led on the offensive end by centre Graciela Diaz-Brito (Santa, Cruz, Spain), who tallied six points – thanks to her aggressiveness in the paint.
Dalhousie countered with the sharpshooting abilities of guard Sophie Gaube (Hubley, NS). With the game tied at 28, he was able to score seven of her team's final nine points in the quarter, as the Tigers went into halftime with the lead.
Turnovers played a huge factor in a lopsided second half, with Memorial forcing nine while allowing just 13 points.
The Seahawks were aggressive on defence, getting two quick steals to start the third quarter. They used their momentum to open up their offensive game the rest of the way.
Offensively, the visitors had four players score in double figures as a whole, led by Stewart, with 20 points. The Tigers were led by Gaube, with 17 points.
Both teams are back in action tomorrow afternoon for the rematch at the Dalplex.