ARPAN KAUR // yorkulions.ca
The York University Lions women's basketball team topped the Nipissing Lakers 81-60 in their home opener at the Tait McKenzie Centre on Friday evening, winning their first game of the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- With a close back-and-forth first quarter, the Lions managed to grab a two-point lead at the end of the quarter, leading 14-12.
- The Lakers began the second quarter with a three-pointer from Angeline Campbell giving them a 22-16 lead. Soon after, the Lions rediscovered their stride with clutch three-pointers from Kirsten McGrath and Tianna Bailey, extending their lead to 33-25 at halftime.
- The Lions then took control of the game in the third quarter with excellent offence, taking a 57-41 lead. Cyanna King had a big impact, scoring four points and grabbing three rebounds in seven minutes of action during the third.
- The Lions put together a big six-point run after Jada Codrington's jumper, forcing the Lakers bench staff to call a timeout.
- The Lions maintained the heat heading into the fourth, as Avery Bathe-Minard made two clutch back-to-back threes, sealing their first win of the season 81-60.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
"I'm proud of the collective team effort. The first game at home can be a little nerve-racking. But once we found the rhythm, we were able to move around the ball and find good scoring opportunities and we were relentless on the boards." — Head coach
Christa Eniojukan
NOTABLE NUMBERS
- King led the Lions on both ends of the court with a double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing a game-leading 11 rebounds. Accompanied by Lauren Golding with 11 points, two steals and two blocks.
- Bathe-Minard and Kiara Leveridge both had 10 points each.
- The Lakers were led by Campbell with 19 points, including four of the five-made threes.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Lions host the Nipissing Lakers in a back-to-back matchup at the Tait McKenzie Centre on Saturday, Nov. 20, as they look to win their second straight home game.
