The York University Lions women's basketball team recorded its second straight win on Friday night (Jan. 27), as they took down the Laurentian Voyageurs in dramatic fashion to win 65-61.
Trailing by three with time expiring in the fourth quarter, the Voyageurs attempted to advance the ball past half court. As the Laurentian forward effortlessly and obliviously advanced the ball, York's
Sandra Nagowska (Peterborough, Ont.) used her sleight of hand to pick pocket and return the ball back into scoring position. Dribbling with the ball outside of the arc and the clock ticking down from 0:12, Nagowska found and fed an awaiting
Ishanaa Seupersadsingh (Markham, Ont.) for a quick layup and the game-icing points. As time expired the thunderous home team crowed applauded the thrilling victory.
Coming off of a big win just six days ago against Brock, the Lions would give their best efforts to chalk up two straight wins for the first time this season. They are now 4-9 on the year while the Voyageurs dropped to 3-11.
A competitive first quarter set the stage for what would be a back and forth battle for the entirety of the game.
Shauney Fischer (Wallaceburg, Ont.) went to work with five points in the first 10 minutes of the game. Fischer would total a team-leading 19 points while also recording five rebounds.
In the following quarter Fischer would record six more points while
Megan MacLeod (Niagara Falls, Ont.) would record six of her own. A solid push in the opening half would leave the Lions leading by a score of 30-29.
After halftime it was evident that Seupersadsingh wanted to join in on the action as the shifty guard went off, recording 10 points in the quarter. Her stellar play was attributed to her outstanding three-point shooting as she hit two straight from beyond the arc in 40 seconds and tallied 15 points in the game to pair with five rebounds.
The outstanding individual third quarter combined with 12 points from five different Lions gave York a 52-47 lead entering the final frame.
The final quarter was highlighted not by any one players individual effort or play making ability, but by the entire team's unrelenting effort to close out the game. The Voyageurs tried to narrow the gap but could not overtake the Lions, and York held on for the win.
The Lions' next game will take place on Saturday night when the Nipissing Lakers travel to the Tait McKenzie Centre for a contest beginning at 6pm.
