The York University Lions women's basketball team appeared down and out early against the Western Mustangs on Saturday night, trailing 18-3 in the first, but fought back to take a 54-53 lead into the fourth. Ultimately, however, the home side prevailed by a score of 76-70 in a hard-fought affair.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Lions had numerous easy attempts on the inside, but could not capitalize. In fact, they did not make a field goal until there was just 3:43 remaining in the first. After Western grabbed that 18-3 lead, York closed the quarter on a 7-0 run to make it 18-10 after one.
• They then went on a 13-0 run midway through the second quarter to grab a 27-25 lead. Western would respond before the end of the half, and took a 33-31 lead into the break.
• The margin for error remained small throughout the third. A Jada Codrington three-ball broke a 39-39 tie and made it 42-39 Lions. They eventually took a 52-46 advantage on the second of two Maya Abouzeid threes in the quarter. The Mustangs didn't go away quietly, though, as the ended the third frame on a 7-2 run to make it a one-point game heading to the fourth
• The Mustangs started out the fourth on the right foot, hitting a couple early threes to grab a 59-56 edge. That was the start of an 11-2 Western run which made it 67-58. The Lions got it back down to a one-possession game late, but didn't score for the final 1:24, and the Mustangs came away with the 76-70 win

LOOKING AHEAD:

The Lions will continue their Southwestern Ontario road trip on Sunday as they had to Windsor to battle the Lancers. The Lions still sit in playoff position, and can do their postseason prospects a large favour with a win over a Lancers team sporting an identical 8-9 record. Tiip-off is set for 2:00 pm.