Written By: David Koroma

Winnipeg, MB – The Bell NBA All-Star Challenge provided the backdrop for the women's basketball match-up between the University of Manitoba Bisons and the #9 University of Alberta Pandas at Investors Group Athletic Centre on Saturday, Nov. 21. With NBA Legend Muggsy Bogues in attendance, the undefeated Pandas jumped to an early lead and never let go, defeating the Bisons 81-48. The Bisons are now 0-6 for the season, while the Pandas have six straight wins.

Alberta's offense, led by guard Jessilyn Fairbanks, was consistently strong and Manitoba's defense struggled to contain them. The Bisons had some strong offensive plays, but they were less consistent and found themselves down by more than ten points throughout the game after a tough first quarter. 

"We've got to have a really high intensity and work ethic," said Bisons Head Coach Michele Hynes. She says the athleticism of her team matches up well against Alberta, but they failed to match Alberta's intensity.

The Pandas started the game with a six-point run before the Bisons put points on the board. Guard Maddie Rogers led the Alberta offense, scoring a three-pointer to help her team finish the first quarter with a 24-10 lead. 

The second quarter started out with a three from Bisons guard Jenilyn Monton, but the home team struggled to close the 14-point gap. Alberta's Fairbanks scored a three and put ten points on the board for her team as they expanded their lead to enter halftime with a score of 43-23. 

Manitoba came out with a lot of energy after the half and played their closest quarter of the match. The Bisons narrowly lost the quarter 15-13. The Pandas' Fairbanks had two instances where she stole the ball for a clean break and two easy lay-ups, helping her team keep a comfortable 58-36 lead going into the final quarter.

The last quarter saw the visiting team continue their momentum while the hosts lost some of the energy they had at the beginning of the half.  The Pandas coasted through the final quarter to win 81-48. 

Fairbanks led the match with 19 points, while three other players also had double-digit points for the Pandas. Forward Montana Kinzel and Monton led the Bisons, scoring 14 and 13 points respectively.  Alberta's forward Elle Hendershot led the game's rebounding with 15, including eight offensive rebounds leading to points for the winning team.

Manitoba's next game is against the University of Brandon on Nov. 27, while Alberta faces the University of British Columbia next weekend.