Splitting the weekend up North, the York University Lions women's basketball team head back to Tait McKenzie Centre for a home weekend against OUA West competitor, the Algoma Thunderbirds.

On Friday evening the Lions faced the Laurentian Voyageurs, taking a first quarter lead that slowly gave way through the remaining 30 minutes. Ruqaya Green got York on the board to start the game but the home side quickly took an 11-5 lead. York worked their way back and ended the quarter ahead, 24-21. Trying to sustain their lead, the Voyageurs offence created a back-and-forth second quarter, tying the game 39-39 at half. The game was tight all the way until the finish, and Bilan Khadar led the Lions with 13 points, five field-goals and two free throws, but her efforts were not enough to get the win and the Lions were three points shy in a 70-67 Voyageurs victory.

Back in action Saturday evening against the Nipissing Lakers, York was in control from the start. An excellent first quarter led by Gabby Di Pietro and her seven points, the Lions were up 28-15. The Lakers were all ready to come back in the second quarter and they worked their way into the game, but the Lions led by four points at half, 43-39. After a regroup at half, York's offence was crisp in the third quarter as Kiara Leveridge and Di Pietro were strong, securing 15 of the Lions 25 points of the quarter. In the last 10 minutes of action, the Lakers tried to make the game interesting again but York edged the home side out to take their third win of the season, 88-69.

The Match-up:

Feb. 2 York (3-14) vs. Algoma Thunderbirds (3-13)

Game Details:

Fri., Feb. 2 vs. Algoma (6:00 pm OUA.tv)

Current Streaks:

York - Won 1

Algoma - Won 1

Quick Facts:

York:

• York leads the OUA in free throws attempted per game (23.6)
• Gabby Di Pietro is 20th in the OUA for 3-PT percentage (30.2)

Algoma:

• Algoma's 5.1 free throws made per game is 18th in the OUA
• The Thunderbirds are 8th in the OUA for 3PT attempts per game (24.3)

Lions to Watch:

#1 TIANNA BAILEY: Third-year guard... In 17 games played this season she has seen 373 minutes of action on the court... Shooting 56.7 free throw percentage and 24.3 percent from beyond the arc, she has been a positive offensive player for the Lions this season... She scored a seasons high 12 points on Nov. 12 against Toronto in the Lions 61-60 victory, where she also shot 5-6 from the free throw line, and 50 percent beyond the arc... She led the Lions on Jan. 27 against the Nipissing Lakers with two assists.

#7 BILAN KHADAR: Fourth-year guard... She has played in 17 games this season, starting in all 17 and earning 502 minutes on the court... Her 188 points on the season is 26th in the OUA and she sits in 36th with 23 steals, and 39th with a 34.7 field goal percentage... She led the Lions offensive charge on Jan. 26 against Laurentian where she recorded 13 points, making five field goals, two free throws and playing 39 minutes... She tallied a seasons high 19 points on Jan. 19 against Brock where she went 8-16 in field goals and was 100 percent from the free throw line.