WINNIPEG – The Manitoba Bisons women's basketball team opened its 2026-27 exhibition schedule with a 79-63 victory over the UFV Cascades on Thursday afternoon at the Investors Group Athletic Centre.
Playing their first preseason game at home after a trip to Spain, the Bisons used a dominant opening half to build an early cushion before holding off a second-half push from the visitors.
Manitoba came out flying offensively, shooting 14-for-19 from the field in the first quarter while putting up 33 points. The Bisons turned a 9-9 tie midway through the frame into a double-digit lead and carried a 33-19 advantage into the second quarter.
The home side continued to control the pace in the second, extending its lead to as many as 17 points before taking a 54-37 advantage into halftime.
UFV responded after the break, outscoring Manitoba 19-11 in the third quarter. The Cascades opened the period with a 17-3 run that trimmed the deficit to just three points at 57-54 with 5:17 remaining in the frame.
The Bisons answered when Kyu Fust knocked down a three-pointer to push the lead back to six, and Manitoba closed the quarter ahead 65-56.
From there, the Bisons tightened things up defensively, limiting UFV to just seven points in the fourth quarter while pulling away for the 16-point win. UFV shot 2-for-22 from the floor in the final period.
Izzi Fust led Manitoba with 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting while adding eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Anna Miko followed with 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks as the Bisons finished with a 51-40 advantage on the glass and 20 assists on 32 made field goals.
Taylor Schepp chipped in with 10 points, while Samantha Onyebuchi recorded nine points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Kyu Fust contributed seven points, nine rebounds, four assists and three steals.
UFV was paced by Fania Taylor's 16 points, while Miah Schurrman added 13 points, six rebounds and five steals. Kyanna Knodel scored eight points and blocked two shots for the Cascades.
The Bisons will continue their preseason schedule before opening the regular season at home on Nov. 1. Tickets for the regular season home opener, which will give fans their first look at the new court at Investors Group Athletic Centre, are available now.
