Panthers dominate third quarter, cruise past Memorial 79-60

By Thomas Becker

The UPEI Panthers took care of business Friday night, dismantling the Memorial Sea-Hawks 79-60 behind a dominant third-quarter surge.

Once again, it was a commanding 24-6 run in the frame that put the game out of reach. 

Lauren Rainford and Grace Lancaster led the offensive charge, each pouring in 20 points. Rainford also stuffed the stat sheet with 12 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. Abby Miller was instrumental in the pivotal third quarter, contributing six points and four rebounds during the run. She finished with a double-double, tallying 10 points and 13 boards. 

Alyssa Jenkins led Memorial (1-16) with 15 points and five rebounds, while Brooke LeDevehat provided a spark from beyond the arc, knocking down four three-pointers on her way to 14 points. 

The Panthers (12-6) got off to a slow start, but Lancaster quickly found her rhythm, scoring 10 of the team's first 13 points. Her versatile scoring ability was on full display, helping UPEI establish a 13-7 lead. However, the Sea-Hawks responded late in the quarter, as back-to-back threes from Naomie Chaperon Ducé and Jenkins trimmed the deficit to 21-17 heading into the second frame. 

Memorial carried that momentum into the second quarter, opening on a 10-4 run. LeDevehat's consecutive three-pointers tied the game at 23 apiece before Brooklyn Martens converted on back-to-back layups, giving the visitors a 27-25 advantage.

After a brief stretch of trading baskets, UPEI took control with a nine-point surge following a timeout, reclaiming the lead at 41-33. Lancaster contributed five points in the run, while Rainford added four, ensuring the Panthers entered halftime with a 41-34 edge. Lancaster led all scorers at the break with 20 points.

The third quarter proved to be the difference-maker once again, as UPEI came out firing on all cylinders. They opened the first five minutes with a 12-2 run, extending their advantage to 53-36. Shortly after, Rainford split a pair of free throws, making it a 20-point game. Miller, meanwhile, imposed her will inside, scoring six points in the frame as the Panthers smothered Memorial defensively, allowing just two made field goals in the quarter. By the time the buzzer sounded, UPEI had built a commanding 65-40 lead.

With the game well in hand, the starters began the fourth quarter but were given well-deserved rest midway through as head coach Matt Gamblin turned to his bench to close out the contest, reserving some energy for Saturday afternoon's rematch.

Photo Credit: Janessa Vanden Broek