(HALIFAX, NS) Veteran guard Ariana Macias (Tampa, FLA) drove her team to a 71-61 win over UNB in Atlantic University Sport women's basketball Saturday night, in Halifax.
Saint Mary's now sits second in the AUS, and UNB is tied for fourth.
Free-throws were big for the Huskies, who outshot the REDS 20-5 from the line.
A total of seven players hit double-digits in exciting second-night action, after UNB won a tight game on Friday.
For UNB, Marley Curwin (Halifax, NS) and Katie Butts (Ottawa, ON) each scored 10 points and combined for nine rebounds, while Jolianne Guay (Prévost, QC), snagged a double-double with 11 points and 10 boards.
SMU's offense was largely split between starters. Clara Gascoigne (Dartmouth, NS), Lucy Beaumont (Fredericton, NB) and Courtney Donaldson (Kelowna, BC) made a combined 36 points to add to Macias' 18.
After a promising 8-0 opening run by the Huskies, the first frame wrapped up in a 17-17 tie just as it had in the matchup the night before.
The REDS showed off their depth again, with six of their 17 overall points coming off the bench. Bailey Black (Miramichi, NB) paced the frame with five points and a block as a feeling of déjà vu hung in the Homburg Centre.
The Huskies were weak defending against the 3-pointer in the first and left key shooters open behind the arc.
REDS starters Black, Curwin and Katie McAffee (Lower Knoxford, NB) each got one, as did rookie guard, Kylee Speedy (Fredericton, NB).
A quick back and forth saw the lead change three times at the start of the second frame, with Macias working both ends of the floor and finishing the half with six points and eight rebounds. The driver for the REDS, McAffee, ended the first half with six points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Huskies led 35-30 after 20 minutes of play.
In the third quarter, the REDS grabbed two clutch three-pointers, to cut SMU's lead to 37-36.
But Macias was on fire, scoring 12 points.
The Huskies grabbed their biggest lead of the night, at 14-points, with a lay-up in the final minute of third, to make the score 57-42.
A 14-7 run by the REDS down the stretch had them nearly catch the Huskies in the final minutes, but UNB couldn't complete the comeback and Saint Mary's won 71-64.
After Saturday, Guay is fourth in the AUS in rebounds-per-game, at 8.8, behind her teammate Butts, who is tied for third with 9.3.
Madeline Orlando (Woodstock, NB) and Speedy had 14 points off the REDS' bench.
SMU's Macias was the Subway Player of the Game.
The Huskies' next action is Wednesday, when they host StFX. Up next for the REDS, a Friday home game against Acadia. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00pm.
RECAP BY: Lauren Phillips/for SMU Athletics
PHOTOS BY: Mona Ghiz/for SMU Athletics