The York University Lions women's basketball squad fell to their cross town rival the University of Toronto Varsity Blues by a score of 76-63 on Friday (Feb.26) at the Tait Mackenzie Centre.

The Lions played from behind for the entirety of Friday's match with the Blues, but had moments of superb ball movement with a dominant paint presence. The Lions starting guard Sandra Nagowska (Peterborough, Ont.) was once again the driving force that would spark the Lions offense. Nagowska finished the game filling the stat sheet with four points, four steals, two assists, and 11 total rebounds, five of which were offensive.

The dynamic Varsity Blues guard duo of Keyria Parkes and Rahshida Atkinson combined for 35 points and were a threat to score on every possession. Although, the perimeter defense by the Lions on Friday night was excellent, limiting the Blues to only five made three pointers. The Blues came into the game with the second best offensive rebound per game average in the OUA and they continued their dominance in the paint against the Lions. The post play of the Blues big's was seemingly too much for the interior defense of the Lions, as the Blues came down with 22 offensive rebounds, six more than their season average.

Nina Guzina (Toronto, Ont.) attempted to close the gap on the score board late in the game by hitting three shots from beyond the arc, but it wasn't enough as the Varsity Blues finished off the match with a run of their own.

The Lions record stands at 3-15 after Fridays loss, and the Varsity Blues improve to 7-11 which is good for third in the OUA East standings. The Lions are back on the hardwood Saturday (Feb. 27) when they faceoff against their other cross town rival the Ryerson Rams at home in their season finale. The Lions will also honour graduating senior Emma Thompson (London, Ont.) before the game. Tip off is 6pm.