The Manitoba Bisons (1-0) opened up a 13-point lead after the first period and didn't look back, defeating the UBCO Heat (0-1) 82-69 on Friday night at Investors Group Athletic Centre.
Aggressive defence was the name of the game for Manitoba, led by captain Keziah Brothers who demonstrated her versatility, playing anywhere from the 1-3 while totalling a game-high 25 points. The Heat were led by Jaeli Ibbetson, who had a double-double with 20 points and 13 boards.
"She just read their defensive game plan very well," Bisons head coach Michele Sung said of Brothers post-game.
"I think she played within her skill set and what she's repped. She gets a lot of productivity because she works hard."
The Heat got out to an early 6-5 lead on the strength of Ibbetson's four rebounds. Overall, UBCO out-rebounded Manitoba 14-8 through ten minutes.
It was the Bisons that led 21-8 entering the second period though, thanks in large part to five steals, two of which came from impact rookie Lauren Bartlett. The hosts also recorded seven points off turnovers, with fourth-year guard Taylor Randall playing a massive role with six points and a steal.
Brothers was unstoppable in the second for Manitoba, recording 13 points to lead all scorers as the Bisons went into the break up 46-30. The fourth-year guard shot 77 percent from the field and also made a three-pointer. Brothers and Bartlett were both menaces on the defensive end as well, forcing UBCO into some difficult takes.
Despite the score, the Heat finished the half strong, going on a 7-0 run late. Ibbetson led the way with three rebounds and seven points, all of which came from the free throw line. Captain Jordan Korol also had six points and two rebounds as the visitors out-rebounded Manitoba 27-21 with excellent post-up positioning.
The Heat got into the bonus early in the third period, capitalizing with a number of points from inside the paint. Once again it was Ibbetson and Korol who led the charge as UBCO cut Manitoba's lead down to as little as ten.
Manitoba went small for the final minute or so however, and it paid off with two quicks baskets courtesy of Randall and Bartlett as the Bisons entered the fourth up 60-46.
The Heat continued to make their money from the free throw line, shooting in the bonus once again with five minutes still to play. Rookie guard Kelsey Falk chipped in with total six rebounds as UBCO played hard on the glass and got to within 12.
But the Bisons locked it down in the last three minutes, thanks in large part to three treys, one each from Brothers, Randall and Lauren's older sister Diedre.
The two teams meet again tomorrow at 5 p.m.
