SASKATOON – A second half surge led the No. 1 ranked University of Regina Cougars to a 74-56 win over the No. 7 ranked University of Saskatchewan Huskies Friday night on Ron & Jane Graham Court at the PAC.
Down by one at 29-28 at halftime, the Cougars scored 46 points and shot at 48.6% in the second half on route to the win.
Regina went on a 12-3 run midway through the third quarter to build a 12-point lead. The Cougars led 51-43 at the end of the frame. Saskatchewan pulled within eight to start the fourth quarter twice, but the Cougars answered at other end of the court each time. Regina led by 20 with four minutes left and the deficit was too big to overcome for Saskatchewan.
With the win, the Cougars improve to 18-1 and clinch first place in Canada West women's basketball. The Huskies drop to 16-3 and will look for a win on Saturday to secure second place.
Halfway through the first quarter, the Cougars had a 12-6 lead. But in the last three minutes the Huskies went on a 10-6 run to take a 16-14 lead.
Saskatchewan continued the strong play into the second quarter and had as much as a five-point lead twice in the frame. Four points in the final 1:30 of the quarter pulled the Cougars within one at 29-28 at halftime.
Kyanna Giles led the Cougars in the win recording a game-high 22 points including scored in the second half. The second-year guard added seven steals, five assists and six rebounds. Carolina Goncalves added 12 points off the bench for Regina.
Summer Masikewich recorded a double-double for Saskatchewan tallying 11 points and 10 rebounds. Sabine Dukate added another 12 points for the Huskies.
Regina finished the game shooting at 42.9%, while the Huskies shot just 35%. The Huskies did win the battle on the boards outrebounding the Cougars 39-34.
The two provincial rivals will meet again Saturday night at the PAC. Tipoff is set for 6:15 p.m.