#7 ranked REDS defeat Huskies 90-46

HALIFAX, NS - UNB guard Ann Bastien stuffed the stat sheet with 16 points, six rebounds and six assists, leading the U SPORTS #7 ranked REDS to a convincing 90-46 win over the Saint Mary's Huskies in Atlantic University Sport women's basketball action on Friday night at the Homburg Centre.

The first period was tightly contested, with four lead changes throughout, as the REDS and Huskies traded early buckets. A lay-in from guard Lauren Armstrong (Canberra, Australia) gave the Huskies a 11-9 advantage, but that would be their last lead of the night. REDS wing Leah Travers (Calgary, AB) hit a three to put the visitors ahead 14-12, and UNB held on to a 17-15 lead after the first quarter.

The REDS lead ballooned in the second, as they exploded for 28 points, led by seven points from guard Maheva Ngassam (Saint Hubert, QC) and six from forward Katie Butts (Ottawa, ON). Saint Mary's received a boost off the bench from wing Kalli Georgoulias (Mississauga, ON) who scored nine points in the quarter, but the visitors took a 45-30 lead into halftime.

The REDS were led by Maheva Ngassam's 11 points and Katie Butts' 10 in the first half, while Kalli Georgoulias paced the Huskies with nine off the bench, and Lauren Armstrong added six.

UNB continued their defensive pressure throughout the third quarter, with their press and zone causing the Huskies to commit seven turnovers. REDS guard Ann Bastien (Terrebonne, QC) flexed her offensive abilities in the third, pouring in eight points on perfect 3/3 shooting including 2/2 from beyond the arc. The Huskies were only able to muster seven points in the third, as the REDS took a 70-37 lead into the fourth.

Saint Mary's emptied their bench in the fourth quarter and saw some nice contributions from guards Jenna Chateau (Toronto, ON) and Julia Sampson (Bedford, NS), but UNB kept the foot on the gas, outscoring the Huskies 20-9 in the quarter to secure the 90-46 victory.

UNB guard Ann Bastien was named Player of the Game with a team-high 16 points, adding six rebounds, six assists and two steals. Katie Butts and Maheva Ngassam both added 14-point, 10-rebound double-doubles for the REDS, and Katie McAffee chipped in 11.

The Huskies were led in defeat by Kalli Georgoulias' nine points, while Lauren Armstrong added eight points and five rebounds.

With the win, the REDS improve to 16-2 on the campaign, while the Huskies drop to 7-10. The two teams will meet again on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 2 p.m. at the Homburg Centre. GET TICKETS

Recap by Allan April / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics
Photos by Mona Ghiz / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics