Box Score Written by: Eoin Colquhoun, U of Lethbridge Sports Information
Lethbridge – In a defensive battle, the Lethbridge Pronghorn women's basketball team prevailed in their 2013-14 home opener with a 59-54 over the Manitoba Bisons on Friday, November 8.
Coming off a career high 30 points last Saturday, post Kim Veldman led the way for the 'Horns recording her second consecutive double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Katlyn Olsen was the only other Pronghorn to hit double digits and chipped in with 11 points. For the Bisons Sheree Camona-Galdamez led the way with 13 points and Robyn Eyer contributed 10 in a losing cause.
Despite sprinting out to an 8-0 lead, the 'Horns saw the Bisons chip away, cutting it back to only one point after the opening 10 minutes. The defensive battle continued into the second quarter with each team going on mini runs. The Bisons took their first lead of the game half way through the second quarter but the 'Horns closed the half on a 9-0 run to hold a 24-20 lead at the break.
While the 'Horns shot 40.7% from the field in the opening half it was the Bisons poor shooting in the half that allowed the 'Horns to hold the lead. The Bisons shot a paltry 25% from the floor in the first 20 minutes.
Both teams scored at better clips in the second half but the game remained close throughout the contest. Despite never trailing the game again, the 'Horns were only able to get the lead to double digits once and with just over a minute to play, it was still a one possession game.
Only down three late, the Bisons fouled to put freshman Sara Simovic to the line, and she calmly hit both free throws to seal the victory for the 'Horns.
The 'Horns were consistent on the night, shooting 40.7%, with two identical halves where they shot 11 of 27 in both. The Bisons were vastly improved from the field in the second half, hitting on 50%, but finished the night at 35.7% after their poor first half of shooting.
With the win, the 'Horns improve to 2-1 on the season, while the Bisons suffer their first loss of the season and fall to 2-1.
The weekend series between the 'Horns and Bisons will wrap up tomorrow night, with tip-off set for 5:00pm at the 1st Choice Savings Centre and the game will also be streamed on http://canadawest.tv
