(FREDERICTON, NB) Jayda Veinot (Port Williams, NS) led the UNB REDS with 18 points, including a pair of three-pointers in the fourth quarter, in a 77-54 win over the Dalhousie Tigers on Saturday evening.
With the win, UNB sweeps the opening weekend series.
Veinot earned Subway Player of the Game honours for her efforts.
"We're definitely excited with the outcome of this weekend, you always want to start that way," said Veinot.
"We have some things to clean up, but we improved as the weekend went on and that's all you can hope for this early."
Katie Butts (Ottawa, ON) added 15 points and a game high nine rebounds for UNB, while Katie McAffee (Lower Knoxford, NB) had 13 points and five rebounds.
Gracie Dalton (Cape Broyle, NL) had nine points and five rebounds for the Tigers, while Jasenda Horseman (Truro, NS) led her team with 10 points off the bench.
The REDS came out of the gate slow, not scoring a basket for the opening 3:10 and trailing the Tigers 4-0 early.
UNB would make up the gap with three minutes to go in the first quarter and would take the lead into the second, 14-12, off a three-point jump shot by McKinely Bezanson (Hantsport, NS) in the last minute.
The REDS came out much better to start the second quarter, opening with a 9-2 run to go up 23-14.
UNB would hold Dalhousie to just five points through the final five minutes of the half to head to the locker room up 30-19.
The REDS quickly built off their momentum in the second half, opening the third quarter with an 11-2 run to establish a 20-point lead just over three minutes in.
UNB would continue to smother Dalhousie's offence and dictate play at both ends of the floor and would outscore the Tigers 25-14 to head to the fourth quarter up 55-33.
The Tigers pushed back in the final frame, opening the fourth with a 10-2 run to cut the lead to 57-43.
UNB would not falter though, scoring three straight three-pointers, two by Veinot, to open the lead back to 68-47 with five minutes to play and handily close out the 77-54 win.
"I think we got a little bit complacent, and they definitely came back a little bit because every team in the league is very talented this year, but we fought back at the end and can be happy about how we finished the game," said Veinot.
The REDS finish the first weekend of the regular season at 2-0 while the Tigers are 0-2.
These REDS are back in action at home next Saturday, when they host the Memorial Sea-Hawks. Game time is 6:00pm.
The Tigers visit the Saint Mary's Huskies on Thursday. Game time is 6:00pm.
RECAP BY: Jonathon James/for UNB Athletics
PHOTOS BY: James West/for UNB Athletics