Lance Doucet / Dinos Communications

CALGARY – A 35-point performance by Maddison Penn helped the UBC Thunderbirds overcome the University of Calgary Dinos women's basketball team with a 62-59 win, splitting their weekend set at the Jack Simpson Gym.

A U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadian a year ago, Penn's scoring touch was a major factor for a UBC team that only scored 35 points on Friday night. Her final basket of the evening made it a two-point game with under two minutes remaining and was enough to fend off the Dinos for the win.

Penn collected 12 rebounds and had two assists to round out her impressive stat line. Keylyn Filewich was also a big contributor for UBC with 17 points and 10 rebounds as they improved to 3-1 on the season.

Brianna Ghali posted 21 points to lead Calgary for the second-straight night. The fifth-year guard also had nine rebounds to top all Dinos, who now have a 3-1 record in Canada West competition.

"The way we played tonight, I think we chased winning, rather than a performance," said Dinos bench boss Damian Jennings. "Those who chase winning and banners get in trouble. We need to somehow enjoy the experience and the performance we want to produce."

Much like Friday night, the first quarter was evenly matched as neither team was able to grab a lead larger than four. Unlike their previous meeting though, the game remained close in the second quarter with the score tied 27-27 at the half.

A strong start to the third quarter saw the Dinos build a seven-point lead on the Thunderbirds in the opening minutes of the half. UBC managed to chip away at the deficit, cutting it to as low as one mid-way through the quarter, but the Dinos kept scoring and held a 50-46 lead.

Calgary struggled during the fourth quarter and relinquished their lead following an 8-0 run by the Thunderbirds. From there, Penn put the Thunderbirds on her back as she compiled 12 points in the quarter to give her team the lead late in the game. 

The Dinos had their chances to tie the score in the final minute, but a pair of turnovers proved costly as Calgary failed to capitalize.

The Dinos will be back in action at home next weekend as they host the Winnipeg Wesmen on Nov. 11-12.

UBC remains on the road and will travel to Prince George next weekend to face the UNBC Timberwolves.

Photo Credit: David Moll