The York University Lions women's basketball team hosted the TMU Bold for their second meeting of the season, looking to build momentum after a strong win over the Toronto Varsity Blues the night before.
The opening quarter set a physical tone with each team fouling early and both teams battling on the glass and trading early chances. Alexis Grewal and Emmanuelle Felix chipped in key baskets in the paint for the Lions. TMU used a late push to extend its advantage, closing the quarter ahead 22–11 as the Lions headed into the second looking to respond.
The second quarter saw York settle into a better rhythm offensively, trimming the deficit through timely shooting and strong interior play. The Bold maintained a lead, while Grewal added a momentum-shifting three to help York close the gap. Despite TMU answering with multiple perimeter baskets and trips to the free throw line, York kept the pressure on and entered halftime trailing 42–33, showing improved composure and foreshadowing a game that was within reach.
York came out of halftime with urgency and turned the third quarter into their strongest stretch of the night. Ella Okubasu sparked a run that briefly saw the game tied at 48–48 midway through the frame. The Lions' surge allowed them to take control late, heading into the final ten minutes with a 51–48 lead.
The final quarter delivered nonstop high intensity as York and TMU traded baskets in a tense, back-and-forth battle. TMU briefly surged ahead late, but the Lions refused to fold, responding with timely free throws and clutch shot-making down the stretch. Kiara Leveridge knocked down key baskets. In the closing minutes, Leveridge sealed the win with her 3-point shot as 6 seconds were left on the clock, helping York make a comeback to defeat TMU 70–67, handing the Bold their first loss of the season and snapping an 11–0 undefeated streak. The win marked one of York's most impressive performances of the year against the top team in the OUA Central.
LOOKING AHEAD:
Following the incredible win and extending their win streak to 3, the Lions will take their show on the road as they prepare to face the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks on Friday, January 16. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
