Zachary Worden, Cougar Athletics
CALGARY – The Mount Royal University Cougars and Thompson Rivers University WolfPack completed their weekend series Saturday afternoon at Kenyon Court.
Despite a big-second half comeback effort by the Cougars, the WolfPack came away with a 70-64 win. Michelle Bos had another big game, scoring 17 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Leilani Carney and Kanesha Reeves both were key to the WolfPack win as Carney finished with 12 points and nine rebounds, while Reeves used her good shooting night to score 14 points. The WolfPack hit 13 threes and shot 41% from behind the arc to spark their offense.
The Cougars were led by Michelle Tiffany who finished with 15 points and five assists to lead the comeback. Erin Kehrig and Abbey Gillette both had good games offensively as Gillette scored 14 points and had eight rebounds and Kehrig matched Tiffany with 15 points. Becky Nash provided a huge presence for the Cougars inside with 16 rebounds and two blocks.
The Cougars came out and took an early lead by finding high percentage looks on the inside. The WolfPack responded to the hot start by the Cougars with a 20-0 run to end the quarter and take control of the game. The WolfPack combined hot three-point shooting and their ability to force the Cougars into contested shots to take the lead.
The Cougars weren't discouraged by the early deficit they faced and started the second quarter on a 6-0 to cut into the WolfPack lead. The WolfPack's hot shooting continued into the quarter as they ended the half shooting 38% from three while making six. All nine players were able to score in the half for the WolfPack led by Emily Vilac's nine points. Tiffany had a big half for the Cougars totalling six points and three assists. When the first 20 minutes had expired the WolfPack led 40-19.
The Cougars come out of the halftime break and upped their energy starting on a 7-0 run to get themselves back within striking range. Their energy continued through the quarter as the Cougars were able to use their defensive intensity to cool down the WolfPack offense and cut their deficit to single digits with three minutes remaining in the third. Tiffany led the Cougar offense with seven points in the quarter. Once the buzzer sounded to end the third the Cougars won the quarter 25-14, cutting the WolfPack lead to 10, setting the stage for a close finish.
The Cougars stayed on the attack in the fourth starting on a 7-2 run and grabbing hold of all momentum in the game. The two teams battled down the stretch, but the Cougars energy infected the crowd at Kenyon Court as they made it a one-possession game with five minutes to go. The Cougars were able to complete their comeback and take the lead with two minutes remaining. The WolfPack were able to respond with two made three-pointers to retake the lead heading into the final minute. The two teams traded free-throws to end the game and the WolfPack were able to escape with a six-point win and series sweep.
The WolfPack are back in action next weekend as they return home to host the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves, the games will be streamed live on www.canadawest.tv. Meanwhile, the Cougars will take the rest of 2017 off, as their next scheduled game comes January 5th in Regina.