It was a defensive showcase on Saturday night at Investors Group Athletic Centre as the Manitoba Bisons (2-0) held on for a 60-59 victory over the UBCO Heat (0-2) in a contest that came down to the last shot. 

Taylor Randall led all players with 22 points, while Jaeli Ibbetson had a double-double with 21 points and seven boards for the Heat. 

"She phenomenally led in areas that we've been getting her to try and lead for three to four years," Bisons head coach Michele Sung joked post-game.

"She just stepped up here. There was time where nothing was flowing, and in the past I think she would have been pretty internal and quiet and she kind of just rallied the troops and kept confidence and rallied the first years."

Manitoba opened up a 7-0 lead in the first two-and-a-half minutes of the first period thanks to Randall, who scored the team's first seven points, including a trey. But the Heat battled back, narrowing the deficit to just one at 18-17 after ten thanks to eight free throw attempts. 

Alessia Brutto gave the Heat their first lead at 22-20 early in the second, however Manitoba battled back and took a 38-28 lead into halftime. Three treys contributed to the cause, with one each from forward Emma Thompson and sisters Lauren and Deidre Bartlett. 

Ibbetson, who was excellent the previous night, once again led UBCO in points, with nine, as well as seven rebounds in a hard battle on the glass from both sides. 

Defence continued to be the story of the third, as the two teams combined for just 15 points through the first seven minutes of play. Manitoba had sustained success with a smaller lineup, utilizing Randall, the Bartlett sisters and captain Keziah Broters in multiple instances. 

Ibbetson was once again the catalyst for UBCO with seven points, thanks to her inside presence. Manitoba got six more points from Randall however, while rookie Emily Johnson and Calgary transfer/local product Autumn Agar maximized their minutes at the forward position. The former scored four point as Manitoba led 50-41 after three. 

The Heat cut Manitoba's lead down to as little as one with a minute to go, once again led by an inspired inside performance from Ibbetson and captain Jordan Korol. They had an opportunity to win the game with five seconds left, however Emma Thompson came up with two huge rebounds to secure the 60-59 win. 

Next up for UBCO is a home tilt against Thompson Rivers, while Manitoba has the bye.