Box Score WINNIPEG - For the second straight season, the Manitoba Bisons women's basketball team has won their home opener.

The Bisons started the 2013-14 Canada West conference season on the right foot on Friday, Nov. 1 with a 73-69 win over the UNBC Timberwolves at the Investors Group Athletic Centre (U of M campus).

Allison Balasko led the Bisons (1-0) with 16 points. Morgan Cross chipped in with 10 points and seven rebounds. UNBC's Emily Kaehn led all scorers with 22 points on a 10-for-13 shooting night.

"We are happy with the win, it's a good way to start the year," said Bisons co-head coach Michele Hynes. "It was one of the first games where we actually got consistent looks inside."

The Bisons led 22-18 after the first quarter. They trailed to the Timberwolves (0-1) for much of the opening quarter but took the lead on a three pointer from Cross with under two minutes remaining. Manitoba closed out the quarter on an 11-3 run, which included a beautiful lay-up from Christiane Fischer off a feed from Stephanie Gill. Overall, the Bisons were 8-for-11 (72.7%) from below the three point line in the first quarter.

After starting the game cold from three point range, Robyn Eyer heated up in the second half. Manitoba's best long range shooter from last season (46.4%) hit back-to-back threes in a half-minute to give the Bisons their largest lead of the game at six. That lead would be extended and the teams went to the locker room with Manitoba up 40-31.

Eyer and UNBC's Mercedes VanKoughnett led all scorers at the half with 12.

Manitoba opened up a double digit lead early in the third quarter but struggled throughout the frame on the glass. They saw their lead shrink to as much as four but maintained a 55-50 lead entering the final quarter of play.

The teams continued to play at a high pace in the fourth and traded fast break baskets early. The Bisons were led in the quarter by Balasko, who was strong on both ends of the court and gave the team an eight point lead with three minutes left on an offensive put-back.

The Timberwolves would have chances to bring the score within striking distance but missed several shots down the stretch. They would come within four but the charge came too late and Manitoba would hang on for the victory.

The Bisons return to action tomorrow night when they host Mount Royal. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. CT at the Investors Group Athletic Centre (U of M campus). Meanwhile, the Timberwolves travel across town and take on the Winnipeg Wesmen at the Duckworth Centre tomorrow at 6 p.m. CT