Matt Packwood, Brandon University Athletics
BRANDON – The energy was high early and often as the Victoria Vikes upended the Brandon Bobcats in their 2017-18 Canada West home opener 93-87 on Friday night.
Victoria trailed early but mounted a late surge behind a timely run and a clutch three to close out the contest.
The first half was a tale of two quarters, as the Bobcats were strong in the first before Victoria answered back with a strong second frame, entering the half tied 40-40.
The second half was much the same as the first as BU took a 71-64 lead into the fourth that quickly disappeared.
Ellen Ougrinov hit a three on the first possession of the fourth for the Vikes that was followed by two quick lay-ups that tied it at 71-71.
It would remain close until the last two minutes of the game as Victoria went on a 8-4 run before Kristy Gallagher iced it, hitting a desperation three as the shot clock expired. Brandon had been relentless on defence, nearly forcing a turn-over before Gallagher's game-clinching three fell.
Kinsley Ransom added a late three for Brandon, but the Bobcats were forced to foul in the defensive end, leading to the Vike victory.
"There were some hiccups," says coach Novell Thomas. "Unfortunately you got to learn the hard way. We need to execute in the fourth quarter in this type of game and you make a couple turnovers but we just need to learn from it. But I don't think it was what happened in the fourth quarter I think it was more what happened in the second quarter."
Fourth-year guard Gallagher led all scorers with 30 points, while Ashlyn Day had 19 points and Marissa Dheensaw finished with 14 points.
The Vikes were efficient from the floor, shooting 44 per cent on the night, and red-hot from the free-throw line going 15 for 18. The Bobcats struggled from the free-throw line going 6 for 13.
Five Bobcats finished in double-digit scoring. Playing in her first conference game at home, import guard Hailey Maas finished with a team-high 22 points. Keisha Cox had a strong night, putting up 19 points to go with eight steals, five rebounds and five assists.
Amy Williams finished with a double-double (12 pts, 13 rebs), while Lauren Anderson and Mikaela Stanton both contributed 10 points.
The win improves Victoria's record to 3-0 on the season, while the Bobcats drop to 0-3.
The two teams will meet again Saturday night in Brandon to conclude the weekend series. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 pm at the Brandon University Healthy Living Centre and can be seen live at www.canadawest.tv.
(Photo courtesy: Milana Paddock)