(HALIFAX, NS) The first game of the 2015-2016 AUS women's basketball season between the Dalhousie Tigers and UNB Varsity Reds needed extra time to separate the two sides at the Dalplex.
The Tigers managed to come away with a 63-59 win and a 1-0 record with the help of 22 points from AUS all star Tessa Stammberger.
The Varsity Reds took control of the first quarter, dominating possession and the pace of play. Despite the strong effort, the Varsity Reds struggled to capitalize on easy buckets inside the paint, shooting 25% from the field.
The Tigers were outplayed but were able to shoot their way out of trouble finishing the quarter tied at 15-15.
In the second quarter it was a similar narrative as UNB continued to shoot poorly. Megan Thompson scored on back-to-back possessions to give the Tigers the lead at 27-25.
At half the Tigers held the advantage with a 29-27 lead.
Nicole LaFleur started the third quarter on the right note for UNB, hitting the first three pointer of the game and then capitalizing on a
Grace Wade steal, knocking down a jumper seconds later.
The two sides went back and forth for the rest of the quarter. Stammberger hit a massive three pointer to end the quarter and give the Tigers a 43-41 lead.
In the fourth quarter it looked as though the Varsity Reds would run away with a win, jumping out to a four-point lead, but a huge three-point play by Michela Barresi halted the UNB momentum.
Tied at 54-54 with a second left, LaFleur had a chance to win the game at the buzzer, but couldn't hit the 15-footer.
Four quarters of play could not separate the two squads.
Dalhousie jumped out quickly in the five minute over-time frame, scoring four quick points before Wade had a huge three point play to bring the deficit to 1.
The Tigers would end up taking the contest 63-59 after Stammberger hit a pair of clutch free throws.
Stammberger led all scorers with 22 points accompanied by 7 boards. LaFleur put up 14 points for the Varsity Reds.
The two sides will face off again tomorrow night at 6PM, in Halifax.
BY - DALHOUSIE ATHLETICS
