REDS Stumble On The Island

(CHARLOTTETOWN, PE) The UNB REDS came up short against the UPEI Panthers in a 71-59 loss in Atlantic University Sport women's basketball action, Friday night in Charlottetown.

A big first quarter from Addie Mombourquette (Fredericton, NB), with nine points, dampened a strong frame by the Panthers. This left UPEI with a six-point lead, 19-13, at the end of the first.

The Panthers would continue their balanced scoring attack in the second quarter, pushing their lead to 14 at half-time, up 39-25.

"I was disappointed with our effort tonight," said REDS' head coach Erin McAleenan. "We weren't ready to go from the jump. I was thrilled to see Addie really step up and carry us offensively through that half. What an impressive performance she had in the first." 

An excellent defensive third quarter for the REDS saw them hold UPEI to 11 points and make a significant dent in the Panthers' lead, trimming it to five. The score would sit at 50-45 after 30 minutes.

During the fourth, the Panthers would halt the REDS blazing finish to the third quarter and increase their lead to 10, a lead they would hold the rest of the way, ending the game with a 71-59 win.

"I'm glad that we showed up in the third and battled to bring it back and make it a game, but I felt that our execution and shot selection was poor," said Coach McAleenan. "Credit to PEI as I thought their defense took us out of what we were trying to do, but I know our young crew will learn from this and be better next weekend." 

Mombourquette finished with a game-high 18 points, shooting 5-for-9 from three-point range.

"Today was a battle for sure," said Mombourquette. "We played hard for one quarter, but one isn't enough. We have lots of work to do this week to prepare for two big games on the road again next weekend. We'll reflect on what hurt us today and will adjust for next weekend."

Katie Butts (Ottawa, ON) would add a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Lillian Fuller (Dartmouth, NS) tacked on 10 points along with seven rebounds.

Panthers guard Devon Lawlor (Millcove, PE) would drop in 17 points, grab eight rebounds. She also had four assists and three steals. Lauren Rainford (Toronto, ON) would contribute with 17 points coupled with five steals.

This loss drops the REDS, now 9-and-8, to fourth place in the conference while this win lifts the Panthers to 10-and-6.

The REDS will see their next action next Friday when they visit STFX. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00pm. The Panthers are back in action Saturday (Feb. 8) when they visit Dalhousie.

RECAP BY: Judson Doncaster/for UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Janessa Vanden Broek/for UPEI Athletics