The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women's basketball team have moved a step closer to clinching the 2014-15 Canada West Explorer Division title.

In a battle of the top two teams in the division, the WolfPack downed the visiting MacEwan University Griffins of Edmonton, Alberta 81-71.

The victory came before a large crowd at the Tournament Capital Centre in Kamloops on Friday (Jan 23).

The WolfPack are now 12-1 on the season while MacEwan falls to 10 and 3.

"You are always excited when you are playing a team that is second in your division and we appreciate the crowd being here to support us," said WolfPack coach Scott Reeves. " We really focused on the game and itself-our matchups.  Everyone contributed out there and it was a great team win."

Despite a brilliant first quarter by MaEwan's Megan Wood (fourth year, forward, Edmonton, AB), the WolfPack were up by a single point (23-22).  Wood had 11 points in that first quarter. The WolfPack limited her to 15 the rest of the way.

In the second quarter, TRU outscored the Griffins 21-9 en route to a 44-31 advantage at the break.

Reeves said his team needed to play solid defence to win. When you are playing a team that is as talented as MacEwan, you know other players will step up. We needed everyone to contribute."

Thompson Rivers had five players in double figures led by veterans Jorri Duxbury (fifth year, guard, Salmon Arm, BC) and Taiysa Worsfold (fourth year, forward, Kamloops, BC).  Both had 19 points.

Emma Piggin (first year, guard, Kamloops, BC) had 16 points and was named the TRU Bookstore/McDonalds "Leader of the Pack" Player of the game. She added six rebounds, five assists, three blocks and four steals in 30 minutes of floor time.

"She is a CIS basketball player in her type of build," Reeves stated. " She is long. She is athletic. She has a very good basketball IQ. She is great on defense and is a great rebounder. Offensively she can get right to the rim. As a freshman, we are excited for the next five years."

The Griffins were led by Kelly Fagan (fourth year, forward, Vancouver, BC) with 19 points and 11 rebounds (10 on defense).  Kayla Ivicak (first year, guard, St. Albert, AB) had 12 points while Kendall Lydon (third year, guard, Chehalis, WA) added 10.

"Every game is important in Canada West, " Reeves stated. " Yes we have a two game cushion on them but it is not like its 30 games with six to go. Mathematically we could still be out.  Sure we have done a pretty good job so far. But we really have to focus now on tomorrow and come back strong."

The two teams wind up their weekend series Saturday (Jan 24) on the Warner Rentals Court at the TCC.  Tipoff is 6 pm.