(FREDERICTON, NB) THE UNB Varsity Reds started quickly and finished strong, beating the Dalhousie Tigers 64-50.

The win was the second in as many nights for UNB over Dal.

UNB raced out to a 13-4 lead, forcing the Tigers to take an early time out.

Both teams settled down after that, but Dal could not recover.

Rachel Cleary led the way for the VReds, scoring 18 points and pulling down 5 rebounds. Cleary shot an impressive 58-percent.

The Tigers "go to" player, Tessa Stammberger, racked up 19 points and 9 rebounds.

Varsity Reds head coach Jeff Speedy was happy with the win. "It's important to defend your home court in the AUS. We took care of business, which is nice."

The VReds led 30-21 at the half.

In the second half, Nicole Lafleur picked up 7 points and Caroline Healy hit a number of key free throws for UNB.

The Tigers tried to rally, but couldn't make significant gains.

With their win, the Varsity Reds take the season series three games to one.

UNB will look for their third straight win on Friday, when the VReds travel to UPEI. Tip off is scheduled for 6:00PM.

BY - MATT GRIMSHAW, FOR UNB ATHLETICS

PHOTO CREDIT: MATT GRIMSHAW