The Tait McKenzie Centre was filled with energy Saturday when the York University Lions women's basketball team took on the visiting Lakehead Thunderwolves. After an exciting fourth and final quarter, the Lions finished just behind the Thunderbirds with a final score of 69-63.
 
The Lions trailed the Thunderwolves for the first three quarters, much to the dismay of the York home crowd. This all came to halt in the fourth when the Lions caught up and then surpassed the Thunderwolves, at one point leading by four points. With two minutes left, the Thunderwolves caught up and started leading again by one after free throws by Leashja Grant.
 
Things started to look like a lost cause for the Lions, as the Thunderwolves continued to increase their lead. For the second time this game, the Lions made some outstanding defensive plays, quickly retaking possession of the ball and sprinting down the court to make their own successful offensive plays. With 30 seconds left, the Lions had closed the gap to 64-63.
 
Just when it looked like the Lions might just pull out a win, Bridget O'Reilly of the Thunderwolves sank a three-pointer with 19 seconds remaining. They used this momentum to carry themselves through the rest of the game.
 
After many post-point celebrations in the stands and timeouts initiated by both sides, the visiting Thunderwolves came out victorious with a 69-63 win over the Lions.
 
The Lions spent the three previous quarters chasing the Thunderwolves, with scores of 18-16, 36-27 and 53-45.
 
Top scorers for the Lions were fifth-year forward Lindsay Shotbolt with 15 points and second-year Megan MacLeod with 12 points. Shotbolt also led the team in rebounds, with nine throughout the game. Scoring for the Thunderwolves was dominated by Grant with 25 points.
 
The Lions play again at home Friday, Nov. 3 at 6pm. They will look to dominate the Brock Badgers and secure their first win of the regular season, a team they defeated in the 2016-17 regular season.