A win 12 years in the making.
The York University Lions women's basketball team welcomed the Ottawa Gee-Gees to Tait McKenzie Centre on Saturday night in a matchup featuring two teams climbing the OUA standings. Ottawa entered the contest searching for its ninth win of the season, while York looked to secure its tenth in front of the home crowd, and their first against Ottawa since Feb. 8, 2014.
York opened the game strong, using early defensive pressure and efficient shooting to build momentum. Active play from Ella Okubasu and Katy Leudy forced a total of four turnovers that led to fast break points for the Lions, while Alexis Grewal and Gabby Di Pietro connected from beyond the arc. York closed the frame with strong finishes from Marley Hayle and Niamh Heath to take a 23–15 lead after one.
The second quarter featured a back-and-forth battle as Ottawa was able to claw its way back into the game. Emmanuelle Felix sparked York defensively with a pair of steals, while Di Pietro had four off the bench to go along with two each from Okubasu, Leudy, Felix and Kiara Leveridge. Ottawa responded through Enora Touloute and Allie McCarthy, but York held on to a narrow 35–34 halftime advantage.
Ottawa seized control late in the third quarter, pulling ahead as the game grew increasingly physical. McCarthy and Cameron de la Salle led the Gee-Gees surge by capitalizing on turnovers and trips to the free-throw line, going a combined 8-for-8 from the stripe. York stayed within reach behind Leveridge and Felix, who scored10 of York's 16 third-quarter points, but Ottawa carried a 59–51 lead into the fourth.
York mounted a late push in the final frame, answering Ottawa's scoring with timely execution on both ends. Di Pietro scored inside and knocked down a key three, while Grewal and Leudy added baskets to erase the deficit. A late Di Pietro layup tied the game, sending it to overtime knotted at 69–69.
The extra session belonged to the Lions, who executed down the stretch to pull away. Heath came up with a crucial late steal and hit both free throws after being fouled, while Okubasu and Di Pietro added key baskets. Leudy sealed the win at the line in the closing seconds as York secured an 81–77 victory.
Their last win against the Gee-Gees prior to Saturday was a 60-51 decision on that February night in 2014, a span of 14 games.
LOOKING AHEAD:
Up next, the Lions hit the road for a mid-week Central division showdown with the Brock Badgers on Wendesday night in St. Catharines. Note the start time of 8:00 pm.
