SASKATOON, Sask. - In game three of a four-game trip away from home, the UBC Okanagan Heat women's basketball team was tasked with a difficult opponent in the U SPORTS No. 1-ranked Sasketchewan Huskies on Friday, it what would be a physical affair in Saskatoon.
The Heat were able to thwart an early run by the Huskies keeping it within a two-score game at halftime. A persistent attack and a strong finish from the Huskies led them to a 89-63 victory.
Memories of last season's upset wins were surely top of mind for UBCO, who scored victories over the No.1 and No. 3 ranked programs just over a year ago.
The Heat showed their grit in the first half of the match, digging in defensively and forcing fouls in the paint. UBCO was able to hold the hosts to 36.1 percent shooting while knocking down 13 free throws in the game's opening 20 minutes.
Pulling away in the third quarter, Saskatchewan were led by their front court duo of Courtney Primeau (Saskatoon, Sask.) and Carly Ahlstrom (Calgary, Alta.) who combined for 27 second-half points.
Jaeli Ibbetson, a local of Kelowna, B.C., recorded her conference leading seventh double-double of the season for her hometown team, finishing the night with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Vernon, B.C.'s
Kelsey Falk led the blue-and-gold with three steals to go along with her 12 points and six boards.
TOP PERFORMERS
Lauren Foullong - UBCO Heat
The wing provided crucial depth scoring for her squad with 13 points off the bench. With another two made three pointers, her season total nwo sits at a team-leading 20 made shots from deep.
Gage Grassick - Saskatchewan Huskies
The third-year guard owned a share of the game-high in scoring with 21 points. Selected as a 2022-23 Canada West Third Team All-Star, the Prince Albert, Sask., product also chipped in four rebounds, five assists and five steals.
WHERE THEY SIT
The loss drops UBCO to a game below .500, at 5-6 while the powerhouse Huskies stay undefeated at 11-0.
UP NEXT
The Heat will get another chance at a upset win when the team's tip-off at 5 p.m. from Saskatoon on Saturday, January 13. Catch the action on Canada West TV.
