EDMONTON — After a 20-point loss on Friday, the Manitoba Bisons came out hungry on Saturday evening against the Alberta Pandas. Unfortunately, a tied game after three quarters didn't translate to a win, as the Pandas — led by 24 points and 12 rebounds from Emma Kary — won 84-72 to finish a weekend sweep at the Saville Community Sports Centre.
Leading the scoresheet for Manitoba was Nicole Konieczny, who shook off a few quiet performances to finish with 16 points and ten rebounds.
Claire Harvey was also great again for Manitoba, fresh off becoming the first Bison women's basketball player to notch 100 career blocks, finishing with 16 points and nine rebounds. Taylor Randall also had 16 points.
With the game tied at 52 after three, Alberta stormed out of the gate to start the fourth. They went on a 15-0 run in the first three minutes, taking control of the game.
"We had that dry spell offensively and we just couldn't get stops. We were working hard all game. It's tough, but it was a good response. It's too bad it's taken eight games to get to this point, because I thought defensively today we stuck to our game plan," said Bisons head coach Michele Sung.
"We wanted to chase them off the three and see if we can get them to scramble, but they have reliable kids who hit shots consistently and they're a good team."
Alberta improved to 10-2 with the win, while the Bisons lost their seventh straight to fall to 5-7. Besides Kary, Brooklyn Legault had 13 points and ten rebounds for the Pandas, while Vanessa Wild followed up a 24-point game on Friday with 14 more.
For three quarters, Manitoba looked like they may steal the victory away from Alberta. They forced the Pandas into making tough shots offensively and they were getting big contributions from several players.
Unfortunately, it was the Pandas who owned the big moments. Meghan Tywoniuk came though with nine points and seven rebounds and hit some clutch shots when Alberta needed them most.
Manitoba will be on the road again next weekend, playing the UNBC Timberwolves. Both games can be streamed on CanadaWest.TV.
