KINGSTON (Nov. 23, 2024) – Queen's Women's Basketball extended its winning streak to six games with a 59-41 victory over the Lakehead Thunderwolves at the ARC. The Gaels swept their weekend homestand, building on defensive dominance and inside scoring to maintain momentum in the OUA season
Katrina Renon (Arts & Science) led the Gaels with a standout double-double performance, tallying 20 points and 13 rebounds while shooting an efficient 6-for-11 from the field. Mikayla McFarlane (Kinesiology) contributed another double-double, finishing with 12 points and 11 rebounds, as Queen's controlled the glass and limited Lakehead's opportunities in the paint.
The game opened with a competitive first quarter, as both teams struggled to find rhythm offensively. Renon provided an early spark for Queen's with several driving layups, including an and-one, to give the Gaels a 16-14 edge heading into the second. Renon's aggressive play carried into the second quarter, where she drained a corner three to push the lead further.
Bench contributions were crucial, with Brooke Hussey (Kinesiology) providing energy and key plays on both ends of the floor. Hussey finished with 13 points, including a pair of fast-break layups off steals, and distributed the ball effectively with four assists. Queen's took a 31-25 lead into halftime, with Renon pacing the team with 12 points and seven rebounds.
The third quarter saw Queen's assert control, outscoring Lakehead 15-7 to extend the lead to double digits. Renon and McFarlane dominated the interior, while Ella Take (Arts & Science) added to the offensive effort with a layup off a Renon assist. The Gaels' defensive intensity forced Lakehead into 29 turnovers, resulting in 16 points off miscues.
A shot clock violation and smothering defense early in the fourth quarter solidified Queen's momentum. Renon's consistency in the paint and McFarlane's rebounding kept Lakehead from closing the gap, as the Gaels led by as many as 20 points in the final frame.
Queen's held Lakehead to 35.7% shooting from the field and just 16 points in the paint while out-rebounding the Thunderwolves 34-22. The Gaels' ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities proved critical, with 12 points off offensive boards.
The victory improved Queen's to 6-2 on the season. The Gaels will look to continue their winning streak on the road against the York Lions on Friday, Nov. 29, at 6 p.m. Catch the action live on OUA.tv.
