WINNIPEG – The No. 1 ranked Saskatchewan Huskies' (13-0) defence came through once again during a 74-43 win over the Manitoba Bisons (7-6) at Investors Group Athletic Centre on Saturday afternoon.

Forward Summer Masikewich had a massive game for the visitors, putting up a game-high 21 points and 11 rebounds, her fifth double-double of the year and third in her last four games.

The 31-point win extended the Huskies' Canada West win streak to 18, dating back to last year's conference championship run.

"It's super fun," said Masikewich postgame. "Every game we go out there and give it our all and we've come out with these wins."

Saskatchewan jumped out to an early lead, scoring the game's first seven points. The Bisons then pushed back in the second, tying the game at 23 after a Deidre Bartlett three.

After tightening up on defence, the Huskies held the Bisons to 11 field goals in the first 20 minutes while taking a 32-25 lead to the half.

"Our first half we competed well," said Manitoba head coach Michele Sung. "We played within our game-plan, but not hitting shots right in the beginning of the third quarter really dictated our lack of confidence and that led to the poor performance in the second half."

The third was when Saskatchewan put the game to rest, scoring 17 straight points in the middle of the frame. Manitoba went without a bucket for nearly eight minutes.

"We all have that drive in us we're all super competitive," said Masikewich. "We just turned it on in that moment and pulled it out."

Both teams came into today's game as two of Canada West's top teams both shooting and defending the three ball, but defence prevailed as both teams shot under 22 per cent from deep.
"They play consistently with everyone on their roster, and yeah… they're the best team in the country," said Sung.

Taylor Randall led Manitoba with 11 points, and Lauren Bartlett recorded five steals in the loss.

The Huskies and Bisons will meet again tomorrow, with tip-off at Investors Group Athletic Centre set for noon.