By Mark Moffat

In AUS women's basketball action at the Dalplex, the StFX X-Women defeated the Dalhousie Tigers 68-61 in a game where the scoring and excitement picked up as the contest progressed.

In the first quarter, scoring was hard to come back as the first five minutes only produced 10 points between the two teams. The baskets did pick up in the latter five minutes as both teams looked to gain the advantage. The Tigers ended up getting it, taking a 12-9 lead into the second quarter.

The second quarter saw the scoring and pace increase and it became clear that both teams were here to play. The X-Women began to take control as halftime neared, outscoring the Tigers 15-7 in the first six minutes of the quarter. However, the Tigers did get a momentum swing of their own as the first half ended, trailing the X-Women only 27-23.

With the third quarter a few minutes old, the X-Women kept control of the game, outscoring the Tigers 11-6 after the first five minutes of the quarter. But, Dalhousie were able to stay close and keep things interesting. The X-Women led 46-39 after the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Dalhousie attempted a comeback while the X-Women tried to hold on to their lead. The Tigers only trailed 64-60 with 35 seconds left, but a Dalhousie foul ended any chance of the comeback being completed. The X-Women sank the two free throws on this foul and two free throws on another Dalhousie foul to seal the victory.

Subway Player of the Game Holly Scott (Antigonish, NS) led all scorers with 20 points, while adding nine rebounds for the X-Women. Samantha Minicucci (Mississauga, ON) chipped in 12 points and seven boards for StFX.

Robertha Charles (Montreal, QC) powered the Dalhousie offence with 17 points, while adding 11 rebounds. Sophie Gaube (Hubley, NS) added 16 points for the Tigers.

Both teams are back on the court next Friday at 6:00 pm. The X-Women play the UNB Varsity Reds in Antigonish, while the Tigers face off against the Cape Breton Capers in Sydney.