WINNIPEG – A strong shooting night helped the Saskatchewan Huskies improve to 5-2 on the season after a 101-56 win over the Manitoba Bisons on Friday night at Investors Group Athletic Centre.
The win improves Saskatchewan's record to 5-2, while Manitoba fell to 0-7.
Overall, the Huskies shot 43.2 percent from field, while Manitoba shot 26.3. The Huskies were also 32.1 percent from beyond the arc while Manitoba was 7.7.
"You're mot going to win many games shooting 25 and seven percent," said Bisons head coach Michele Sung. "Not getting shots to fall pushed our confidence back and that hurt. It's a good team. If you don't play well, you're not going to win."
Play in the paint was a big factor, as 6'3" centre Kyla Shand and captain Carly Ahlstrom combined for 32 points. Maya Findall also erupted from three, shooting 50 per cent and finishing the game with a game-high 22 points and two rebounds.
Two key Bisons players – third-year Emerson Martin and fifth-year Keziah Brothers would go out in the third with apparent lower body injuries, requiring the Bisons to dig deep and find their footing.
Bisons forward Brynn Endicott would have herself a game, finishing with a career high 17 points and 7 rebounds, but unfortunately the Huskies offense proved too much to handle.
The Huskies came out swinging right off the bat, finding success from beyond the arc and inside with some quick passes that led to some easy layups.
Huskies guard Gage Grassick got it going early with two back-to-back threes that were all net. The Bisons didn't let that faze them, however, and really gave the Huskies a hard time with some great defense all around, especially in their full court press. The Huskies were up 29-18 going into the second.
The Bisons' intense defense seemingly began to wear on the Huskies early on, forcing them to take some highly contested shots, especially from midrange. Half-court was not safe for the Huskies, with every pass being contested, and immense pressure being applied to any Huskie with a ball in their hands.
Endicott took charge through the quarter, getting to the line and continuing to push the fast pace. She would go into the half with seven points. On the Huskies side, they showed some fancy footwork in the key, getting some tough buckets.
Findall would show out, dropping a quick 12 points to lead the Huskies into the half. Manitoba would go into the half down 48-32.
The Bisons would rally behind Autumn Agar in the third, who wouldn't let the team be discouraged after the unfortunate injuries. The Huskies continued to fire on all cylinders not letting the Bisons breathe, with captain Carly Ahlstrom grabbing 13 rebounds and 15 points going into the fourth.
The Bisons continued to struggle offensively throughout the fourth despite their best efforts. The Huskies kept a cutthroat pace as they continued to find the back of the basket and continued to let it all out on the offensive side.
The Bisons look to come back stronger tomorrow, as they face the Huskies again at Investors Group Athletic Centre.
