REGINA – A strong second half propelled the No. 1 seeded Carleton University Ravens to a 69-48 win over the No. 6 seed University of Saskatchewan Huskies to secure the school's first-ever U SPORTS women's basketball title.
Carleton shot just 22% in the first quarter and 35% in the second, but the third quarter was a different story.
Carleton shot at 50% in the third frame to outscore Saskatchewan 24-14 in the quarter. The Ravens had as large as a 12-point lead before the Huskies pulled within nine at 48-39 entering the final 10 minutes of play.
The Ravens continued to take advantage of the Huskies' poor shooting in the final quarter going on a 17-2 run in the frame to take a large lead and never look back.
Catherine Traer led the Ravens in the win recording a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Elizabeth Leblanc added another 12 points and nine rebounds.
Summer Masikewich led the Huskies recording 19 points and 12 rebounds. Kylan Shand added another nine points, while Libby Epoch recorded eight points and eight rebounds.
The Huskies had an 8-2 lead early in the first quarter before Carleton cut the lead to two at 8-6 with just under five left. Saskatchewan went on a 7-3 run to close the quarter for the 15-9 lead after the first 10.
Carleton found a stride in the second quarter going on a 10-2 run to pull the game within one at 17-16 with just over six remaining. The Ravens tied the game with 4:11 left and took the lead on a long three from Traer at 22-19.
Saskatchewan scored four quick points out of a timeout to pull back within one. Masikewich restored the Huskies lead with under a minute and led Saskatchewan led 25-24 at the half.
It was Saskatchewan's fifth straight trip to the women's basketball final 8 tournament and second trip to the final in three seasons.
Players of the Game
Carleton: Catherine Traer
Saskatchewan: Summer Masikewich
CHAMPIONSHIP AWARDS
Championship MVP: Elizabeth Leblanc, Carleton
Championship All-Star Team
Alex Kiss-Rusk, McGill
Charlotte Kot, Regina
Elizabeth Leblanc, Carleton
Summer Masikewich, Saskatchewan
Catherine Traer, Carleton