SASKATOON – The No. 2 ranked University of Saskatchewan Huskies opened their 2015-16 Canada West women's basketball season with a dominating 78-39 win over the visiting University of Manitoba Bisons Friday, November 6 night at the PAC.

The Huskies jumped out to a big lead early in the first quarter and continued to show why they are one of the top teams in the country. Saskatchewan took a commanding 21-8 lead after the opening 10 minutes and stretched it to 41-14 by halftime.

First-year guard Sabine Dukate scored 9 of her 15 points in the first half, while her fourth-year backcourt partner, Desarae Hogberg scored eight.

The Bisons improved their shooting in the second half scoring nearly twice as many points in the last two quarters as they did in the first two. Manitoba shot 42% in the second half compared to just 23% in the first.

Saskatchewan came out hot shooting 56% in the opening 20 minutes. The Huskies were more than willing to share the ball with assists coming on 14 of their 18 baskets in the first half. The Huskies finished the night with 25 assists.

Dukate and Kelsey Trulsrud recorded a game-high 15 points. Dukate added five assists and five rebounds in her first Canada West game. Trulsrud shot 6-of-11 from the field and grabbed six rebounds in 23 minutes.

Addison Martin and Claire Harvey each scored nine to lead the Bisons. Jenilyn Monton recorded a team-high's in assists with three and rebounds with four.

The two teams meet again Saturday, November 7 night at the PAC. Tip off is set for 6:15 p.m. CT.