(CHARLOTTETOWN, PE) Behind a dominant second-quarter performance, the UPEI Panthers earned a 70-56 win over the UNB Varsity Reds, Friday night.

The Panthers(3-8) scored 23 points and held UNB(7-5) to just seven in the decisive quarter.

"The key is defence," said head coach Greg Gould. "If you defend and take care of the basketball you give yourself the best chance to win."

The Panthers found success early in the game by driving the ball to the rim. Tamara Tompkins capped off a streak of three consecutive baskets inside the paint for an early 7-5 lead.

UNB pushed ahead 13-9 behind a strong 8-2 run, but the Panthers pushed back as Katelynn Donahoe found Jennifer Newman for the corner jumper to go ahead by two.

The VReds shot a blistering 63.6-percent from the field, but held a slim 18-15 lead after one quarter.

Laura Kaye led the UNB effort with seven points in the opening quarter.

A couple key charges and offensive rebounds early in the second quarter helped a hustling UPEI squad storm ahead 27-18 behind a 12-0 run. UNB was held scoreless for five minutes when the Panthers made their push.

At the half, the Panthers led 38-25.

UPEI came out of the break strong, with a quick 4-0 run.

The Reds rallied, cutting the deficit to 11, but UPEI built a 55-40 lead heading into the final quarter.

UNB fed the post for some easy baskets and cut the lead to 10, but the first-half deficit was too much to overcome. The Panthers came away with the 70-56 win.

In the end, Kaye notched a double-double… 21 points and 10 rebounds… in the loss.

The Varsity Reds host the Memorial University Sea Hawks, next Saturday and Sunday, at the Richard J. Currie Center. Game times are 6:00PM, on Saturday, and 11:00AM, on Sunday.

BY – THOMAS BECKER, FOR UPEI ATHLETICS

PHOTO CREDIT – THOMAS BECKER