On Friday evening at the Tait McKenzie Centre, the York University women's basketball team went head-to-head with the Carleton Ravens. The matchup marked an important home game for the Lions, offering a chance at redemption after last season's loss to the Ravens.
Carleton came out strong, scoring first with three back to back layups to give the Ravens an early 6–0 lead. York responded quickly, as Ella Okubasu converted a layup of her own to put the Lions on the board and spark momentum. Consecutive layups narrowed the gap to 8–6, with the advantage still in Carleton's favour. Physical play intensified as offensive fouls were called on both teams. Carleton capped off the quarter with a three-pointer, giving the Ravens a 21–12 lead at the end of the first.
The Lions opened the second quarter with pressure, as Alexis Grewal drained a three-pointer. Kiara Leveridge added a strong layup and followed with two successful free throws to tie the game at 21–21. At the four-minute mark, Sev Grewal hit a three to give York a brief 26–24 advantage. However, the Ravens regained control and closed the half leading 37–32.
The Ravens opened the third quarter with a layup in the first 30 seconds. Leveridge responded with York's first three-pointer of the half, but the Ravens soon found their rhythm and sealed the third quarter 56–45.
York came out energized in the fourth quarter. Gabby Di Pietro converted two free throws to open the scoring, and the Lions' defense tightened, holding Carleton scoreless for several minutes. A steal and breakaway layup by Di Pietro ignited the crowd and cut the deficit to 56–49. After a strong block by Okubasu, Sev Grewal knocked down a three to make it 56–52. Moments later, Di Pietro hit a three off a Grewal assist, bringing York within one at 56–55. At this point, feeling the pressure, the Ravens locked down and surged their efforts in the final minutes. At the end of the final quarter, Carleton sealed the win at the line, and the game ended 64–58.
LOOKING AHEAD:
Up next, the Lions will take on the Ottawa Gee-Gees at the Tait McKenzie Centre tomorrow night with tip off scheduled for 6:00 pm.
