Women’s basketball drops CIS quarterfinal to No. 1 ranked Windsor

(File photo by Heather Davidson)
(File photo by Heather Davidson)

WINDSOR, Ont. — The Wilfrid Laurier women’s basketball team continued their struggles tonight against the division rival Windsor Lancers, playing in their first game at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) national championships since 2011. Following a thrilling double OT win over the Carleton Ravens in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) bronze medal game that cemented their spot in the tournament, the Lancers brought the Golden Hawks back down to earth, handing them a 81- 53 loss.

Putting themselves in a hole early, Laurier began the game on the wrong side of a 13-4 start, ending the first quarter down 16. The second quarter was much of the same, as the Hawks entered the half trailing 43-25. Head Coach Paul Falco did some experimenting in the second half by adding extra length on the court, hoping to collect more rebounds by crowding the paint. The plan was unsuccessful as Windsor was able to hold court in the key, and by the end of the game, had out rebounded the Golden Hawks 45 – 30.

The tournament hosts and OUA champions impressed in the quarterfinal game, guided by defensive player of the year Miah-Marie Langois. Langois showed her skill at the other side of the court, collecting a game-high 30 points on 11-for-15 shooting, enough to earn her player of the game honours.

Although the score indicates a lopsided game, the Hawks played disciplined basketball. The underdogs had less turnovers, and more steals than the Lancers, but poor shooting and rebounding gave the team little hope. Fourth-year Whitney Ellenor led the Golden Hawks with 11 points, but Laurier was never able to find their groove, as the stingy Windsor defence held them to just 37 per cent shooting from the field.

The loss dropped the Women to 0-4 against the Lancers this season, in addition to a 1-6 record against top ten programs. Although Laurier’s hope for a medal in the tournament were thwarted Friday night, the team will continue action at the St. Denis Centre tomorrow in a consolation game, at 12 p.m. against the McGill Martlets.

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