Game recap by: Kirk Jessome
(Halifax, NS) – In the final game of the Lawton's Centennial Women's Basketball Tournament, the Dalhousie Tigers were taking on the Bishop's Gaiters. Both teams entered the game 1-1 in the tournament, so this game was to decide who left with a winning record. With their strong outside shooting, the Gaiters were able to come away with the 74-59 victory to end the tournament.
Shots were falling for the Gaiters to start the game, shooting 75% from long range in the early minutes. This hot shooting start allowed the Gaiters to jump out to a quick 17-5 lead in the game, as the Tigers looked to get their own shooting touch going.
Turnovers were a problem for the Tigers early as they were struggling to come back with points of their own, but after a timeout called by coach Anna Stammberger, the team rallied for a nine-point run to bring them within three.
The run was led by Ashley Cain (Toronto, ON) who was able to get to the line often, and knock down her free throws. Sophie Gaube (Hubley, NS) hit the Tigers first three of the game, to extend the run into the end of the first quarter, with a score of 20-14.
The Gaiters continued to prove they were an outside shooting threat, coming from any position on the floor, including their centre, Eve-Marie Houle (Quebec, QC).
Since the shooting touch wasn't there for the Tigers, they switched to a strong transition game that greatly increased the pace of play and resulted in layups at the offensive end. Michele Tchiakoua (Yaounde, Cameroon) had a strong presence after the shot and was able to force turnovers off of made baskets.
Ashley Milhomme (Repentigny, QC) continued to hurt the Tigers from long range as she finished 4/5 from deep in the half.
The first half came to an end with the Gaiters Maude Archambault (Saint-Augustin-De-Desmaures, QC) nailing a three-pointer from beyond half court to extend their lead to 40-30. The Tigers were led by Robertha Charles (Montreal, QC) with 7 points and 6 rebounds.
The style of play between the two teams seemed like it swapped in the third quarter. The Tigers weren't able get their transition game going, but the midrange shots were starting to fall for Michele Tchiakoua and Robertha Charles. On the other side, the Gaiters were starting to slash from the top and get to the hoop for layups.
The point differential remained the same throughout the third quarter as the Gaiters went into the fourth with a 56-46 lead.
The Tigers came out with energy and an obvious intention of driving to the hoop in the fourth. They spread the floor well, looking for the right time to slash and drive. Diedre Alexander (Woodstock, NB) fit this style well, dropping her shoulder and driving strong to the net.
The Tigers continued to play with intensity and drive to the hoop, but time ticked away, and the deficit couldn't be made up, as the Gaiters were able to come away with a 74-59 victory to end the tournament.
The Tigers were led by Robertha Charles with 13 points and 8 rebounds, as well as Diedre Alexander who finished with 11 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. The Gaiters were led by Maude Archambault as she finished with a game-high 26 points including five 3-pointers.
The Tigers will open their regular season on November 1st at home, while Bishop's will continue their preseason at Carleton this Friday.
In the early game today, Saint Mary's was able to sweep the tournament with a 69-54 win over the Brock Badgers. The Huskies were led by Kennisha-Shanice Luberisse (Montreal, QC) with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists. Brock was led by Courtney McPherson (Welland, ON) with 9 points and 6 rebounds in the game. Saint Mary's will continue their preseason this Friday at SNHU, while Brock will also play Friday, in a tournament at Laval.