Written by Lauren Hollins

Winnipeg, MB – The University of Manitoba Bison women's basketball team maintained a tight score against the University of Alberta Pandas on Saturday, Nov. 26 afternoon, but the Pandas took over in the second half and won 77-49.  The visitors won both games in this weekend's series at Investors Group Athletic Centre on Nov. 25 and 26.

After Friday's 72-68 loss against the Pandas, the Bisons hit the court ready to try again on Saturday afternoon. Alberta improved their conference record to 8-0 this season with the road win while Manitoba drops to 1-7 in the 2016-17 campaign. And, this January will mark 13 years since the Bisons have beat them at home.

Manitoba kept the score tight with the undefeated Pandas throughout the first half, trailing behind the opposing team by just a few baskets in both quarters. Bisons forward Emma Thompson ended the first quarter with a three-pointer at the buzzer. The home team ended on a high, but that didn't set back the opposing team going into the second quarter on a 6-0 run.

"We're having a tough time executing offensive systems," says Bison head coach Michele Sung, "it's definitely our main focus."

Alberta broke away in the third quarter, showing us what an undefeated team plays like. The opposing team out-scored the Bisons 27-7 in the third quarter alone to extend the lead to 60-35 lead, with Panda forward Elle Hendershot netting 6 of her 10 shots. 

The fourth quarter had many reserves in play and Alberta finished off the weekend with the road victory.

Next action for both teams will be on Thursday, December 1 when Manitoba hosts Winnipeg and Alberta at home against MacEwan.


Point Leaders:
AB: Shay Crisp (16)
MB: Taylor Randall (9) and Nicole Konieczny (9)

Assist Leaders:
AB: Maddie Rogers (5)
MB: Emma Thompson (3)

Rebound Leaders:
AB: Elle Hendershot (7)
MB: Nicole Konieczny (8)