A tight first-quarter ended up drifting away from the York University Lions women's basketball team, as the OUA West division-leading Waterloo Warriors secured their eighth consecutive win with a 71-60 victory Wednesday night at Carl Totzke Court in Waterloo, Ont.
 
Even though they did not come away with a victory, a Laurier Golden Hawks loss in Windsor, Ont. against the Lancers means the Lions have secured the 12th and final OUA playoff spot. 
 
Despite the loss, Kiara Leveridge put on a show with a 21-point game, seven boards, and two steals. Closely followed by a 15-point and 11 rebounds double-double by Cyanna King.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Both teams played close to each other at the start of the game, but it was the Warriors that got off to a fast start by forging a 20-13 lead through the first, owing to a 7-0 run.
• The Warriors would maintain control in the next two quarters, outshooting the Lions 14-12 in the second and 19-14 after the third to cushion a 53-39 edge.
• Despite the Lions playing a more aggressive fourth quarter, putting up 21 points and 11 by Leveridge, the Warriors maintained their lead en route to the 11-point win. 

LOOKING AHEAD
 
The Lions now sit fourth with an 8-13 record in the Central division, and will now head over to Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. to wrap up their season against the Algoma Thunderbirds on Sunday, Feb 19. The tip-off is set for 3pm.