Axewomen hand Huskies first loss of the season

HALIFAX — The Acadia Axewomen delivered a statement victory Wednesday, defeating the No. 2-ranked Saint Mary's Huskies 86-56 in AUS women's basketball action at the Homburg Centre.

Acadia (13-5) shot an impressive 55.2 per cent from the field, including 13-of-24 from three-point range, while also converting 90 per cent of their free throws. Saint Mary's (17-1), previously undefeated, struggled offensively, shooting just 28.8 per cent from the field and 5-of-25 from beyond the arc.

Bianca Helmig led the way for Acadia with a near triple-double, scoring 23 points on 10-of-12 shooting while adding 11 assists and four steals. Samantha Russell posted a dominant double-double with 24 points and a team-high 14 rebounds, knocking down six three-pointers and contributing five assists and two blocks. Lisa Bolander added 19 points, making four threes, while also grabbing five rebounds.

For Saint Mary's, Clara Gascoigne led the Huskies with 18 points and nine rebounds, including a three-pointer. Aki Kobayashi added 15 points, hitting two from beyond the arc, along with three assists and two steals. Katelyn Power had a defensive impact with three steals and five points, while Evie Hargraves pulled down seven rebounds.

Acadia established control early, leading 24-16 after the first quarter behind strong shooting and defensive play from Russell, who recorded seven rebounds, three steals, and a block. The Axewomen maintained their efficiency in the second quarter, extending their lead to 12 at halftime.

A dominant third quarter saw Acadia outscore Saint Mary's 25-13, stretching their lead to 24 points. The Axewomen hit four more three-pointers while limiting the Huskies to just 3-of-15 shooting. Acadia sealed the victory with a 15-9 advantage in the fourth, extending their lead to as many as 33 points before the final buzzer.

Acadia returns to action at home on Saturday, Feb. 15, against Saint Mary's. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.