Chante Clarke had a career day to lead the York University Lions women's basketball team to a huge win over the Ryerson Rams by a score of 79-75 in the second annual School Day Game at the Tait McKenzie Centre on Wednesday afternoon.
With the two teams tied in the OUA East standings heading into the content, and home court potentially on the line in a first-round playoff match-up, Clarke put up 23 points and added four rebounds, three of them on the offensive glass, in the big victory. The Lions now move two points clear of the Rams with an 11-9 record to hold down fourth place, while the Rams, losers of six straight, sit fifth with a 10-10 mark. The Lions also hold the tiebreaker between the two teams after winning both head-to-head meetings.
The Lions had a strong opening quarter and held a seven-point lead after 10 minutes of play, but the Rams turned the tables in the second and pulled ahead by five points with just over one minute remaining. However, the Lions closed the frame with four straight points and the Rams led 41-40 at the half.
After the Rams built up a six-point lead with 2:42 remaining in the third quarter, the Lions went on a thrilling 14-0 run to take an eight-point advantage into the final frame.
The back and forth affair saw the Rams go on their own run in the fourth, and with 40 seconds left the score was tied 75-75. The hero for the Lions was rookie
Lauren Golding, who sank her only three-pointer of the day for a 78-75 advantage. Some solid defence held the Rams off the board after their frantic attempt to tie it again, and the Lions held on for the win.
Golding finished with nine points and 10 rebounds, while
Lindsay Shotbolt put up another double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds, as well as five assists, four steals and one block.
Katrina Collins-Samuels also put in 10 points and added five rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Ryerson's dominant forward, Sofia Paska, led all players with 30 points and 10 rebounds, including going a perfect 14-of-14 from the free throw line.
The Lions will look to close the home portion of the regular-season on a high note on Saturday night when they host the Toronto Varsity Blues at the Tait McKenzie Centre for a 6pm tip-off.
