KINGSTON, Ont. (February 1st, 2019) – The Queen's Women's Basketball Team (12-7) defeated the York Lions (8-11) 80-64 on Friday night at the ARC – Main Gym.
GAME FLOW
The Gaels started off their matchup against York firing on all cylinders, opening the game up with an 11-5 run through strong rebounding and ball movement. The Lions would respond however, going on an 8-0 mid-quarter run of their own and securing a narrow 19-18 lead headed to the second quarter.
The Gaels re-discovered their shooting touch in the second quarter, outscoring the Lions 17-8 and taking a 35-27 lead to the half. The Gaels were led in the first half by
Marianne Alarie and
Sophie de Goede, who each had 8 points. Both teams struggled from behind the three-point line in the half, shooting just 10% (Queen's) and 7% (York) respectively.
The Gaels would only further consolidate their advantage over the course of the 3
rd, extending the lead by ten and scoring a massive 29 points in the quarter. Queen's would take a commanding 64 to 46 to the final quarter.
In the fourth and final quarter, the Gaels controlled the tempo of the matchup, utilizing the full extent of their rotation and calmly securing an 80 to 64 victory. Leading the way for the Gaels was
Marianne Alarie with 22 points and
Sophie de Goede with 21 points, a season high.
Part of the strategy for the Gaels was getting the Lions in foul trouble as early as possible, which the home team did effectively, drawing 19 fouls and shooting 27 free throws. The Gaels also distributed the ball effectively, recording 14 assists.
HOME PLAYOFF GAME CLINCHED
With the win, the Gaels have clinched at least the four seed in the OUA East with the opportunity to climb higher. This means the Gaels are guaranteed a home playoff game in the OUA Playoff Quarterfinals.
MUST SEE MOMENTS
The Gaels passing was on point all night!
Lavergne showing off her skills in the paint with this putback!
BY THE NUMBERS
11 – Veronika Lavergne led the Gaels with eleven rebounds.
3 – Emma Weltz had three steals.
FINAL SAY
Head Coach
Dave Wilson spoke on exposing matchups and the possibility of facing off against the Lions come playoff time: "We adapted our offensive focus throughout the game based on matchups, for example, we knew that if we put three bigs on the court at once it would create a mismatch. We also know it's likely we'll be matched up against York again come playoff time, so I don't think either team gave away too much tonight."
UP NEXT
Next Weekend, The Gaels host the Ottawa Gee-Gees on Friday (Feb 8
th) followed by the Carleton Ravens Saturday (Feb 9
th). Both games take place at the ARC – Main Gym at 6PM.
