On a cloudy Saturday evening, the York University Lions women's basketball team took on the Lakehead Thunderwolves in the second of a two-game weekend set between the OUA Central rivals.
The Lions came in with a two-game win streak, recovering strongly after dropping their season opener. The Lions looked to sweep the weekend and get off to their first 3-1 start since 2007-08. Lakehead, meanwhile, was eager for redemption and a weekend split on home court.
The first quarter saw York take early control with steady offense, closing out the frame up 17–12, with Ella Okubasu starting off the scoring. Emmanuelle Felix ended the scoring for the first quarter with a brilliant layup, assisting York in increasing the lead. The former Laurier Golden Hawk also led the team in scoring in the first with five points off the bench.
Lakehead kept pace in the second, but York's composure helped maintain the lead heading into halftime at 34–25, thanks in part to threes from Akuach Buang and Kiara Leveridge. Leveridge went 2-for-4 from the field and 2-for-2 from the free throw line in the second, as the Lions led by nine at the break.
The Thunderwolves found life in the third quarter, trimming the Lion lead to 50-45 through three. The final quarter saw York hold firm and respond with a consistent 17 point fourth to secure the win. Lions big Niamh Heath was instrumental in the fourth, going 3-for-6 from the field – including a pair of threes – to help York to a relatively comfortable 67-59 win.
York's depth shone throughout the night, with Kiara Leveridge leading the way with 20 points and 8 rebounds, while Heath and Okubasu added 12 and 10 respectively. The Lions dominated the paint with 32 points and had a strong night on the glass, pulling down 36 boards. Off the bench, Alexis Grewal contributed 8 points and 7 rebounds, giving York key minutes when needed most.
Despite strong individual efforts from Lakehead's Sara Clouthier (19 points) and Ally Burke (18 points), the Thunderwolves couldn't match York's balance or defensive energy. York also capitalized on second-chance opportunities, outscoring Lakehead 12–2 in that category.
LOOKING AHEAD:
With this win, the Lions do improve to 3–1 and are off to their best start in 18 years. They will aim to extend their win streak to four as they return home to face long-time rivals, the Toronto Varsity Blues on Friday night. Tip-off is set for 6:00 pm from the Tait Mckenzie Centre.
