(HALIFAX, NS) The UNB Reds used a balanced scoring attack and solid defence to beat the Dalhousie Tigers 59-43, in an important four-point game in Halifax, on Friday.
Grace Simpson (Fredericton, NB) led the Reds with nine points, while Krystal Osburn (Nottawa, ON) grabbed 12 rebounds. Simpson was named Subway Player of the Game.
11 of the 12 Reds registered points in the victory, while 10 of the 12 pulled down rebounds.
It was an end to end battle in the first quarter, but neither team was able to find their offensive stride. The Reds were looking to push the tempo in the transition game, and were aggressive moving the ball inside. They just couldn't get the tough lay-ups to fall.
The Tigers started 0-for-17 from the field, and were only able to find one point in the opening eight minutes.
The Reds got exactly the start they needed in the second quarter, as great ball movement opened Mikaela Dodig (Bolton, ON) for a wide-open three. That score was followed by pressure defence that caused the Tigers trouble and resulted in back to back turnovers.
Dal was able to step up their defence in the back-end of the half, as five consecutive UNB possessions ended with a shot clock violation or dead-ball turnover.
UNB led 28-12 at the half.
The Reds were finally able to solve the Tigers zone defence with great ball movement leading to open looks in the paint for Simpson to extend the lead to as much as 23 mid-way through the third quarter.
Getting a spark from Hannah Chadwick's (Toronto, ON) seven points off the bench, the Tigers ended the quarter on a run to get within striking distance going into the fourth.
Offensive rebounds began to add up for the Reds, and the extra possessions took time off the clock and gave the Reds offensive resets to continue working the ball to Simpson down low.
The Tigers continued to push the ball into the paint, but the Reds' defence was clogging every driving lane, forcing Dal into tough, off-balance shots and late-clock jumpers.
UNB emerged with the 59-43 win.
Chloe Wilson (Dartmouth, NS) led the Tigers, scoring nine points.
One of the keys to the Reds victory was winning the rebound battle, which Osburn owned.
The Tigers will look to get back on track on Wednesday, when they face Saint Mary's.
The Reds will face the Huskies on Saturday. Game time is 6:00pm.
RECAP BY: Kirk Jessome/for Dal Athletics
PHOTOS BY: Evan De Silva/for Dal Athletics