The York University Lions women's basketball team lost 66-56 to the division-rival Queen's Gaels on Saturday (Jan. 17) at the Tait McKenzie Centre after a big second half by the visitors opened up what was a tie game at the half.
 
With the loss the Lions remain at the bottom of the OUA East standings with a 2-9 record. The Gaels improved to 7-3 and are still second in the division.
 
The Gaels dominated the first quarter with a high pressure play on the Lions' court. The visitors had the majority of possession due to the number of turnovers committed by the Lions.
 
Ishanaa Seupersadsingh (Markham, Ont.) starred in the first half with her successful shot attempts. One of her three-pointers tightened the gap as the Lions trailed at 15-14.
 
The Gaels continued to sink their shots, however, and the quarter ended with Queen's leading 22-17.
 
Queen's continued putting pressure on the hosts, scoring five more before the Lions called a timeout. The Lions came back with a change of tactics that succeeded in giving them 15 points while only allowing five from the opponents. The differential tied the game at the half, at 32-32.
 
Several violations were called against the Lions in the third quarter and the Gaels capitalized, going on a 10-0 run to start the frame that gave them their biggest lead of the game. Standing at 44-34, the Lions suffered a dry spell due to their shot attempts being heavily guarded. Courtney Osborne (Markham, Ont.) broke the spell by scoring a basket to bring it to 52-36.
 
The Lions continued to chip away at the deficit. Seupersadsingh initiated a fast break that resulted in a foul. Jackie Koudys (Smithville, Ont.) successfully converted the two free throws.
 
Maddie Morris ended the quarter with a buzzer-beater jump shot as the Gaels lead at 56-40.
 
The Gaels increased the margin early in the fourth quarter through a three-pointer by Marianne Alarie. Seupersadsingh responded by continuing her shooting spree with two successful free-throws and a three-point shot, but the tough third quarter had them too far back to catch Queen's.
 
The Lions face a tough challenge ahead of them against the No. 9 nationally-ranked Ryerson Rams. In the reverse fixture against the Rams this season, the Lions lost 66-49. The Lions will be looking to avenge the loss on Friday (Jan. 23) at the Tait McKenzie Centre beginning at 6pm.