The York University Lions women's basketball team defeated the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks in convincing fashion, by a score of 89-49, at home in the Tait McKenzie Centre on Wednesday.
The win snapped the Lions' four-game losing streak and came in the first ever meeting between the Lions and the expansion Ridgebacks.
In the first quarter, the Ridgebacks scored an early basket, but the Lions came out stronger and took an early 4-2 with a jump shot from
Emma Jonas. The Lions' lead didn't last long as the Ridgebacks tied the score 12-12, but from there the Lions played fantastic offence and quickly regained the lead, ending the opening frame leading 23-14.
In the second, the Lions continued to overpower the Ridgebacks.
Megan Stewart scored a three-pointer to double their lead. Jolesha Brown scored a great three-pointer cutting the score to 30-21 and the Ridgebacks were beginning the close in on the Lions, but two jump shots from
Lauren Golding kept the Lions in a healthy lead ending the half with a 39-25 advantage.
In the third, the Lions continued to cruise.
Katrina Collins-Samuels scored a jump shot to give the Lions a 45- 25 lead. The Lions were playing strong defence when they forced the Ridgebacks to turn over the ball, ending with Stewart scoring another basket. A basket from
Jada Codrington gave the Lions a 54-29 lead, once again almost doubling the Ridgebacks score.
In the final quarter of the game, the Lions were still flying on offence.
Cyanna King had a tremendous assisting pass to Collins-Samuels, and she finished the play with a layup. Later on, King had a strong block followed by Codrington with a smooth crossover then a layup giving the Lions an 85-47 lead they turned into the 40-point win.
Four of the team's five starters finished in double digits and every player on the roster scored at least two points. Golding led the way with 22 points and added six rebounds, and MacLeod just missed out on a double-double with 16 points and nine rebounds.
The Lions will play their final game of the regular season at home this Friday for their Love & Basketball event at 6pm against the Queen's Gaels. The Lions have already clinched a playoff spot and will look for a win against the Gaels as the battle for positioning.
