SASKATOON – The University of Saskatchewan Huskies opened up the 2017-18 Canada West women's basketball season with an 83-52 win over the visiting University of Manitoba Bisons Friday night on Ron & Jane Graham Court at the PAC.

Saskatchewan controlled the first game of the regular season for both teams and didn't trail in the game. Third-year point guard Sabine Dukate got the Huskies rolling early, making a three-point attempt to open the game that sparked a 7-0 run. To end the quarter, Dukate would sink another three-point attempt followed by a mid-range jump shot to lead 20-16.

The Bisons would cut the Huskies' lead to six with minutes remaining in the second quarter. However, a Summer Masikewich jump shot, followed by Megan Ahlstrom converting a three-point attempt would stretch the Huskie lead to 11 heading into the halftime break at 37-26.

Saskatchewan came out strong in the second half outscoring the Bisons 27-14 in the third quarter.  Entering the fourth, the Huskies held a 24-point lead and kept the offence rolling with a 12-4 run to open the quarter. Saskatchewan finished the fourth outscoring Manitoba 19-12.

Claire Harvey lead the Bisons, registering a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Taylor Randall added another 14 points for Manitoba in the game.

Dukate led the Huskies with a game-high 22 points, while Maskewich recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds.  Maya Olynyk chipped in 12 points off the bench, while Megan Lindquist led the team with a game-high 12 rebounds.

Saskatchewan shot at 41 per cent in the game, while Manitoba shot 29 per cent.

The teams will meet again Saturday night at the PAC. Tipoff is at 6:15 p.m.