The York University Lions women's basketball team hosted their annual Black History Games on Friday evening, as they went head-to-head with the Western Mustangs at the Tait McKenzie Centre. A win would have added another home victory for the Lions and helped build momentum toward the playoffs.
The Lions entered the game with a 10–8 record, trying to snap a two-game losing streak, while the Mustangs owned a 12–7 record and entered this one riding a six-game win streak.
Western committed an early foul to open the game, allowing York's Kiara Leveridge to score the first two points from the free throw line. The score remained tight throughout the quarter, as, with York down five, they went on a 7-0 run to take a 12-10 lead on free throws from Alexis Grewal. Later, Ella Okubasu tied the game at 16–16 from the line, before a late layup from Niamh Heath gave York the 18–16 lead heading into the second quarter.
The second opened with continued physical play. Renee Armstrong made a free throw for Western before Di Pietro answered with a three pointer for the Lions. A jump shot from Alexander kept the Mustangs close, with the score sitting at 20–19 York. The remainder of the quarter became a battle at the free throw line as both teams traded points. York maintained a narrow edge, and two late free throws from Okubasu sent the Lions into halftime leading 43–42.
Okubasu opened the third quarter with a layup, but Western quickly responded with a three from Emily Capretta to tie the game at 45–45. Defensive pressure from both teams kept scoring limited, while strong rebounding efforts from Di Pietro and Heath played a key role for York. The Mustangs managed to edge ahead late in the quarter, finishing the third with a 62–60 lead.
The fourth quarter saw both teams raise their intensity. Armstrong opened the scoring in the frame with a three for Western, but York bounced immediately as Akuach Buang forced a steal and finished a layup to tie the game at 65–65. Armstrong answered again with a layup to restore the Mustangs' lead. With Western up four, a clutch three pointer from Leveridge brought York within one point at 71–70, but Western pulled away late with consecutive layups from Armstrong and Annie Balfe, extending the lead to 77–70. Despite a late push from the Lions, the Mustangs maintained control down the stretch, handing York an 83–75 loss.
LOOKING AHEAD:
The Lions will play their penultimate home game of the season tomorrow night when they host the Windsor Lancers at 6:00 pm. You can get your tickets here or watch the game live on OUA TV.
