SASKATOON, Sask. — A furious fourth-quarter comeback fell just short for the Saskatchewan Huskies, who dropped a 96-93 decision to the Manitoba Bisons on Saturday night (Nov. 7) at Ron & Jane Graham Centre Court. The loss moved both teams to 3-1 on the Canada West season.
The contest was an offensive showcase from start to finish, featuring 12 lead changes and nine ties. Saskatchewan led 21-20 after the opening quarter and carried a narrow 48-45 advantage into halftime after shooting over 50 per cent from the field through the opening 20 minutes.
The Huskies appeared to seize momentum midway through the third quarter, stretching their lead to 54-47 following a layup from
Maya Flindall. Manitoba responded with a strong push of its own, however, and took a 68-67 lead into the fourth quarter after a back-and-forth third frame.
The fourth quarter belonged to Manitoba's bench, particularly Darya Rom, who erupted for 16 points in the final 10 minutes. Rom scored 30 points overall, including 11 in the final 2:07, helping the Bisons erase an 82-76 deficit and move ahead for good in the closing minutes.
Despite the setback, the Huskies received balanced offensive production.
Maya Flindall led Saskatchewan with 27 points and four steals, while
Ryan Deutscher added 17 points and six rebounds.
Camryn Tait and
Olivia Harm chipped in 15 points apiece, with Harm also contributing eight rebounds, five assists and four steals.
Manitoba was paced by Rom's game-high 30 points, while Samantha Onyebuchi recorded 17 points and 11 rebounds and Taylor Schepp added 14 points and four assists. The Bisons shot an efficient 56.1 per cent from the field and received 57 points from their bench.
Saskatchewan closed within a single possession twice in the final 20 seconds, but Manitoba converted its free throws down the stretch to secure the three-point victory in a game that featured a combined 189 points.
The Huskies return to the PAC next weekend for a two-game series against the Lethbridge Pronghorns.
