HUSKIES-PANDAS BATTLE FOR PLAYOFF POSITIONING2013-02-13

Both already securing a spot in the post season, the Universities of Saskatchewan and Alberta are in a battle for third place in the conference’s prairie division.

The Alberta Pandas visit the PAC Friday and Saturday.

Entering the weekend, the Huskies (13-7) sit just two points ahead of the Pandas (12-8). One win by the Huskies would seal a third place finish. Both Saskatchewan and Alberta will travel to face a top two finisher in the pacific division.

In 2012-13 Canada West women’s basketball, four teams in each division are granted life in the playoffs. The top two teams from each division host the third and fourth place teams in a cross-over quarter-final series.

Winners of 10 of their last 12 games, Saskatchewan has found their stride late in the season.  Alberta enters the weekend on a four game winning streak with sweeps over the Winnipeg Wesmen and Manitoba Bisons in that span.

Leading the way for the Huskies is reigning Canada West rookie of the year Dalyce Emmerson. Emmerson is averaging 18 points and 9.3 rebounds per game to put her second and fourth in the categories among conference leaders. Fourth-year guard Kiera Lyons continues her solid offensive play averaging 15.1 points per game on the season. Kelsey Trulsrud is also playing strong in her second season with eight double-doubles.
 
Anneka Bakker, Kendra Asleson and Saskia Van Ginhoven have led the Pandas through 20 games this season. Bakker leads the team with 10 points per game, while Asleson adds another 9.9. Van Ginhoven has been consistent on the boards with 6.1 rebounds a night and 9.4 points per game.

The Huskies are 24-18 against the Pandas since 2001-02.

Saskatchewan and Alberta will play at 6 p.m. on Friday and 4 p.m. on Saturday. Both games will be webcast on www.canadawest.tv.