Grayson B. Leahy, Heat Sports Information
KELOWNA, B.C. – The UBC Okanagan Heat women's basketball closed out their weekend against the Canada West-leading University of Saskatchewan Huskies with a tough (88-44) loss on Saturday night.
Shooting consistency and rebounds were the difference Saturday night, with Saskatchewan being the more successful side in both areas. The Heat shot an uncharacteristically low percentage from three-point range, and were unable to keep pace with the Huskies shooters.
First Half:
Turnovers were an issue early for the Heat, as they gave the ball up five times through the first five minutes, which turned into nine points for the Huskies. Despite shooting 66.7% halfway through the first, the Heat were behind 14-5 at 5:00 in the first. Saskatchewan shot 66.7% from the field and 75% from three-point range through the first ten minutes and were ahead 21-7 heading into the second.
Both teams took 27 shots from the floor by the end of the second quarter, with the Heat making seven and Saskatchewan 16. The Huskies shot around 50% from the field, long range, and the free-throw stripe through the first two quarters, and took a 41-16 lead into half-time. Despite forcing 12 Saskatchewan turnovers, the Heat were able to convert those into just six points through the first 20 minutes.
Second Half:
The Heat were able to get into double-digits scored in a quarter in the third, putting up 13. With Saskatchewan scoring 21 though the lead was extended to 62-29 heading into the fourth. The Huskies defence kept UBCO off the board for over three minutes in the first half of the third, as their second and third baskets came at 8:57 and then 5:53. Saskatchewan outscored the Heat 7-5 in the final five minutes of the third.
The fourth saw the visitors stretch their lead to 38 by the halfway point, and to 41 after a three from Maya Olynyk at 3:42. They finished the quarter outscoring the Heat 26-15, to close out the weekend sweep with an 88-44 win.
Key Performers:
UBC Okanagan:
Kate Johnson finished Saturday night's game with a team-high 13 points for the Heat, and Vanessa Botteselle added six of her own. Johnson also led the team with three assists.
Emma Johnson had a team-high five rebounds, with her sister Kate finishing close behind with four.
SASK:
Libby Epoch and Sabine Dukate tied for the Huskies' team-high in scoring, with 17 points apiece. Megan Ahlstrom and Summer Masikewich also finished in double-digits, with 11 each. Megan Lindquist was the assists leader for the visitors, with four, and Maya Olynyk had a team-high seven rebounds.
By the Numbers:
Saskatchewan finished the night shooting 57.4% from the field, 47.6% from three-point range, and 53.3% from the free-throw line, while the Heat shot 36.4%, 5.9%, and 25% in those same categories.
Rebounds were 45-19 in Saskatchewan's favour. They also finished ahead in assists (17-7), while the Heat had the 12-8 edge in steals.
Next Up:
The UBC Okanagan Heat (0-14) will be on the road next weekend, visiting the University of Calgary Dinos (9-5) on January 19 & 20.
The University of Saskatchewan Huskies (13-1) will be at home next weekend, when they host the Trinity Western University Spartans (11-3) on January 19 & 20.