(ANTIGONISH, NS) The UNB Reds defeated the St FX X-Women 69-40 in the Atlantic University Sport season opener for both teams, on Friday.
The first quarter was an even affair with UNB taking an early lead, but X grew into the game. Reds' forward Eva Tumwine, (Fredericton, NB) was a presence down low, but got into foul trouble and had to sit out most of the first half.
UNB led 20-16 after one quarter.
The game was close at half-time, with UNB taking a 32-27 lead into the break.
The second half was a Reds wave as the trio of Mikaela Dodig (Bolton, ON), Jane Boyle (Halifax, NS) and Grace Simpson (Fredericton, NB) combined for 20 third quarter points. Unfortunately for the X-Women, Caroline Hrabinski (Toronto, ON) picked up her fourth foul early in the third and the Reds took full advantage of the loss of X's floor general. It was a complete team effort, as UNB controlled the tempo of the game and were able to get numerous open looks for high percentage shots.
The fourth quarter saw numerous substitutions for both teams, which gave some of UNB's young players time to shine.
Marley Curwin (Halifax, NS) controlled the game nicely from the back court and paired nicely with fellow rookie Katie Daley (Fredericton, NB).
X finished the game with a bit of a flourish, but wrapped up the game on the downside of the 69-40 final score line.
Dodig finished the night as the game's top scorer with 20 points, and took home Subway Player of the Game honours. Boyle had a double-double, with 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Simpson finished with 11 points and six boards for the Reds.
Ja'Yon Leak (Charlotte, NC) contributed nine points and eight rebounds for UNB.
Kimberly Kingsbury (Nepean, ON) was the leading scorer for the X-Women, with 14 points on the night, along with eight rebounds.
The same two teams will tip-off again Saturday. Game time is 6:00pm.
RECAP BY: Bart Sears, St FX Athletics
PHOTOS BY: Kendra Vigneau, St FX Athletics