Box Score Written by: John Gaudes
WINNIPEG - Losers of seven straight heading into the holiday break, the Manitoba Bisons women's basketball team were looking to turn the tides of the season back in their favour to start the second half, as they took on the Trinity Western Spartans on Friday, January 10 at Investors Group Athletic Centre.
A spirited second half by the Spartans, though, surged them to a 66-57 win for just their second victory of the season. Trinity Western moves to 2-9 with the win, while Manitoba falls to 3-8.
Trinity Western were led by a powerhouse performance by senior forward Holly Strom, who had 22 points, ten rebounds, four blocks and two steals for a complete performance. As a team, the Spartans shot 56 per cent in the second half - besting Manitoba's 28 per cent by a good clip.
The Bisons got a solid shooting night from guard Stephanie Gill, who had 19 points and four rebounds. Forward Allison Balasko chipped in with a good night down low, with ten points and nine rebounds.
"I don't think we finished well [tonight]," said Bisons co-head coach
Michele Hynes. "They let the game go a bit, which was nice for a change but we just had trouble finishing."
Holiday legs were apparent in the first half, as the teams combined for a sloppy 28 turnovers in 20 minutes. The inside presence of Strom anchored the Spartans half court attack to the tune of eight first half points and seven rebounds, as their outlet passes consistently resulted in turnovers on the fast break. On the other side of the ball, the Bisons strong front court gave them the 29-27 halftime lead, as Balasko and DeVries combined for 11 first half points.
Out of the gate in the second were the Spartans, though, as they outscored Manitoba 20-10 in the third quarter on the back of Strom - who had the team's first six points in the period. Gill hit three three-pointers to keep Manitoba in range, but they couldn't get closer than eight down the stretch as Trinity Western's defence tightened up.
The Bisons women's basketball team finish their weekend at home on Saturday, January 11th against the University of Fraser Valley Cascades. Tip is at 5 p.m. CST.
