The York University women's basketball team went head-to-head with the Algoma Thunderbirds on Friday night in their final game of the fall semester. The Lions looked to secure their third home win of the year and extend their 12-game winning streak against the Thunderbirds, having never lost to Algoma since their inception in 2013-14.
The Lions entered the contest on a two-game losing streak and with a 5–4 record, while the Thunderbirds came in with an 0–8 record. A win for the Lions was an important step toward putting themselves in a strong position for the second term.
The Lions came out with strong defence that had Algoma struggling early. The first points of the game were scored by Naimh Heath with a three-pointer, giving York early momentum that they maintained throughout the quarter. In the final three minutes, Alexis Grewal extended the lead to ten with a three-pointer. Grewal also collected two offensive rebounds, one of which resulted in a trip to the line, and the quarter ended with York leading 19–8.
In the second quarter, the Lions aimed to maintain their rhythm and hold the advantage for the remainder of the half. The Thunderbirds started aggressively with a pair of quick three pointers from Sadie Grawbarger and Riya Donnell in the opening two minutes, cutting the lead to 19–14. Heath responded with another three-pointer to widen the gap to 25–14. In the final minute of the quarter, Kaylah Sewell hit a three-pointer with an assist from Rachel Griffith, sending the Lions into halftime with a 38–22 lead.
In the third quarter, the Thunderbirds attempted to close the 16-point gap, with Grawbarger scoring two early layups in the opening minute. The Lions quickly responded as Heath added another three-pointer. However, the Lions went on an 18-2 run that included a Sev Grewal three-pointer to extend the lead to 56–28. Later in the quarter, Katy Leudy assisted Gabby Di Pietro on another three-pointer, and York pulled away to a 66–33 advantage, leading 66-36 after three.
In the final quarter, the Lions scored within the first fifteen seconds when Heath added to her total. A strong block and rebound from Akuach Buang led to Sewell assisting Di Pietro for another three-pointer, one of 13 for the Lions on the night, as York picked up the by a score of 81–55, heading into the exam break on a high.
Four Lions scored in double figures in this one, including Di Pietro's team-high 16. Kaylah Sewell came up just short with nine off the bench.
LOOKING AHEAD:
The Lions head into the winter break 6-4. They sit second in the OUA Central, a half game ahead of Brock, who hosts Algoma Saturday night. The Lions will visit the Toronto Varsity Blues on Friday, Jan. 9. The next night, York will host TMU Bold on Community Night at Tait McKenzie Centre. All players wearing their team jerseys will be permitted to enter free of charge. Tip-off for that one is also set for 8:00 pm.
