Wriiten by: Chris Zuk, Bison Sports

WINNIPEG – In a back-and-forth women's basketball affair with bragging rights on the line for the 25th annual Duckworth Challenge (University of Manitoba Bisons versus University of Winnipeg Wesmen), Winnipeg prevailed by a 69-65 score on Friday, February 5 at Investors Group Athletic Centre.

With the win, Winnipeg improves its Canada West record to 5-10 and snapped their two game losing streak while Manitoba falls to 1-15 and now have lost three in a row conference games. Winnipeg has now won the last four conference games against Winnipeg.

"Great battle. Both teams competed and traded shots throughout," commented Wesmen head coach Tanya McKay. "Kudos to Manitoba for the effort and we just found a way to win."

Manitoba had a chance to win as the held a five point lead into the fourth quarter and it seemed like the home side would be able to keep the momentum from a wild three point shot from Bison Emma Thompson to end the third quarter and give the BIsons a one point lead at 53-52.

The game changed in the fourth as the Wesmen clamped down on the defence end as they forced several turnovers and create easy buckets as they scored 17 out of the last 24 points after Manitoba looked to take control.

"We tried to press for the whole game but in the fourth we started to create some chances on defence and we were fortunate to win," stated McKay.

A big factor in the fourth was the Wesmen forcing the Bisons into the bonus as they went to the free throw line numerous times as Taylor Thorkelsson five from the charity line while Kerri Kuzbyt and Megan Noonan added two free throws at the end of the game to push the advantage out of reach from the home side.

Winnipeg finished with five players with ten or more points as Kuzbyt led with 17 points while Lena Wenke added a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds while Faith Hezekiah added 12 points and 10 boards.

For Manitoba, captain Jenilyn Monton scored a game-high 20 points and followed by Montana Kinzel with 11 points in the loss.

The Duckworth Challenge Player of the Game was Kerri Kuzbyt (Winnipeg) and Jenilyn Monton (Manitoba).

Both teams play against each other again at Winnipeg on Saturday, February 6 with tip-off at 5 p.m. CT.



SCORING BY QUARTER
MAN: 21-11-21-11: 64
WPG: 18-15-19-17: 69
 
SCORING LEADERS
MAN: Jenilyn Monton (20), Montana Kinzel (11), Nicole Konieczny (9)
WPG: Kerri Kuzbyt (17), Lena Wenke (13), Megan Noonan, Faith Hezekiah (12)
 
ASSIST LEADERS
MAN: Jenilyn Monton (6), Emma Thompson (3) two players (1)
WPG: Kerri Kuzbyt (7), three players (1)
 
REBOUND LEADERS
MAN: Nicole Konieczny (6), Jenilyn Monton, Montana Kinzel, Rebecca Potter, Emma Thompson (5)
WPG: Lena Wenke (11), Faith Hezekiah (10) Megan Noonan, Kerri Kuzbyt (7)


Duckworth Challenge Notes: Earlier in the 25th annual Duckworth Challenge, in women's soccer on Saturday. October 10, 2015, Manitoba won 1-0 on the road. On Thursday, February 4 at Winnipeg, Winnipeg won 3-0 (25-23, 25-10, 26-24) in women's volleyball. Manitoba was victorious 3-0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-17) in men's volleyball. Prior to this year, Winnipeg had won four of the last five women's basketball games during the Duckworth Challenge.