Alyssa Etsell, Manitoba Bisons Sports Information

WINNIPEG - The University of Victoria Vikes won a battle on the road against the University of Manitoba Bisons 71-68 in women's basketball on Sat., Jan. 13, 2018 at Investors Group Athletic Centre.

Victoria dominated the first half of the game, but an impressive 21-2 run in the third quarter by the Bisons pulled them into the lead for the first time in the game. 

It wasn't enough to secure a win for the home team, though.

"We needed [the run]. We totally could've won that game but we didn't execute," said Bison head coach, Michele Sung. "We really had a drastic change in composure. You can't win a ton of games in this league if you're scattered."

With the road win, Victoria continues their winning streak and moves to a record of 9-4. The loss drops Manitoba's CW record to 8-7 and ends a five-game winning streak for the Herd.

The hosts perked up in the fourth quarter, allowing for an intense well-matched play with the Vikes to begin 'Super Saturday' as five Bisons teams were in action on the one day. 

Taylor Randall netted a difficult three-pointer with only two minutes left in the game to pull the Bisons to a one-point lead. Amira Ginnattasio quickly answered with a field goal off a layup for the visitors.

Kristy Gallagher scored a crucial three-pointer with just under 45 seconds left in the game to bring the Vikes to a three-point lead and in turn, a game win.

The Vikes held a 56-35 lead at half, while stopping the Herd from getting any easy points in the first half. In the third, Randall started the run for Manitoba, netting a three-pointer for the home team, pushing them within ten points for the first time in the contest. Back-to-back field goals for Randall kept the momentum going for the home team, pushing them within a tie game.

Lana Mackic laid it in with under three seconds left in the third to allow the Bisons to start the fourth quarter ahead by just one point.

The home side was not able to match the level of play put forth by the Vikes in the first half of the game, trailing throughout much of the first half and having a first quarter deficit of 29-13.

Giannattasio got a three-pointer to pull the visitors ahead 17-11 with just under four minutes left in the first quarter, putting enough distance between the teams to maintain a shallow lead going into the second.

Victoria was led by Giannattasio with 25 total game points while Randall led the Herd with 25.

Both teams play again tomorrow (Sun. Jan. 14) at Manitoba at 1 p.m. CST. Watch the game live online at canadawest.tv.

Game Leaders
Points:
Manitoba – Taylor Randall, 25
Victoria – Amira Giannattasio, 25

Rebounds:
Manitoba – Keziah Brothers & Montana Kinzel, 6
Victoria – Aleah Ashlee, 10

Assists:
Manitoba – Nicole Konieczny, 3
Victoria – Calli McMillan, 6