A big 29-point fourth-quarter performance was what the York University Lions women's basketball team was in search of after a slow first half.

A boisterous York crowd cheered its team on to a 79-68 victory over the Lakehead Thunderwolves at the Tait McKenzie Centre Friday evening.

The Lions were led by Kiara Leveridge, who amassed 19 points and six rebounds. Lauren Golding had 17 points and Cyanna King had a monster double-double performance with 17 points and 17 boards.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Both teams went toe-to-toe in the opening minutes of the first quarter keeping it at a point deficit. With the game knotted at 5-5 with 6:39 remaining in the quarter, the Thunderwolves put together a 13-4 run to grab an 18-9 lead.
• With the Lions down nine with 2:15 remaining, they responded with a mini 7-3 run of their own to close the quarter. That trimmed the deficit to 21-16 after one.
• With the visitors up 34-26 in the second, the Lions went on a 6-0 spurt to cut the advantage to two with 2:45 remaining in the quarter. The Thunderwolves took a slim 37-32 edge into halftime.
• The hosts came out strong in the third quarter, changing the tenor of the game A three-point play from Leveridge put the Lions up 39-37, giving them their first lead since it was 9-8. The teams went back-and-forth the remainder of the quarter, and the Thunderwolves took a two-point advantage at the end of three.
• The Lions flipped the script in the fourth as they ambushed the Thunderwolves, going on a 14-0 to gain a 71-57 edge with 4:50 remaining. While the visitors eventually got to within eight with 3:34 left, the Lions seized control the rest of the way for the 79-68 victory. 

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:

"We started the first half slow, not really our brand of basketball. But I think it was our defensive effort that led to some excellent offensive opportunities. Cyanna King did a great job of keeping us engaged by getting those great offensive rebounds. Even though we came away with the "W," we're still not too happy with the way we played. I'm looking for more consistency ahead of tomorrow's game."  -Christa Eniojukan, Lions head coach.

LOOKING AHEAD:

The Lions will return to home court tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 28 to complete their back-to-back doubleheader against the Thunderwolves at the Tait McKenzie Centre. Tip-off is slated for 6pm.