The York University Lions women's basketball team returned to the court Wednesday evening in a road contest at the Goldring Centre, and made a statement against their cross-town rivals to kick off the new year. The Lions put up a dominating performance to top the University of Toronto Varsity Blues 83-56.
 
Cyanna King's game-high 28-point performance caused a lot of problems on both ends of the court for the Varsity Blues. She tallied two blocks, 15 rebounds and made 10 of 11 field goals. 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• With blazing-hot offence and solid defence, the Lions quickly took charge of the game while holding off the Varsity Blues to a 12-point quarter. The Lions were led by Alexis Grewal, King, and Kiara Leveridge, who scored 17 of the team's 25 points in the opening frame. 
• The Lions maintained their stride in the second quarter, while reproducing their first quarter performance, outshooting the Blues 25-12 once again. Leveridge's swarming defence on Jada Poon assisted the Lions lead to a successful three-point play by King off a forced turnover, leading to a 50-24 York lead at halftime.
• The third quarter kicked off with both teams exchanging fast-break points, with the Blues having a stronger offensive quarter. However, the Lions proved to be unstoppable, as they continued their dominance on both ends and tallying another 24-points to the Blues 19 to cushion a 74-43 advantage.
• Although the Blues managed to fend off the Lions to a nine-point closing quarter, York's double-digit edge made the Blues last 10-minute effort ineffective as they defeated the Blues 83-56.    

 
LOOKING AHEAD
 
The Lions will wrap-up their two-game road trip, as they will remain in Toronto, Ont. to take-on the TMU Bold on Saturday, Jan. 7 at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. The tip-off is scheduled for 2pm.