(ANTIGONISH, NS) The UNB REDS defeated the STFX X-Women 68-60 Sunday afternoon, completing a weekend sweep.

The teams got out to a cautious start offensively in the first quarter, with the REDS holding a 14-2 edge after the opening 10 minutes of play.

First year guard Abby Gyori (Sylvan Lake, AB) started the second quarter with a three-pointer for the X-Women, but the REDS responded quickly and kept the score close. 

The game was within three points for the majority of the quarter until UNB went on a nine-point run with two minutes left, ignited by a Kylee Speedy (Fredericton, NB) three-pointer and a trio of baskets by Katie Butts (Ottawa, ON). 

The visiting REDS held a 33-26 halftime lead. Speedy had nine point in the opening half for UNB, while her teammate Katie McAffee (Lower Knoxford, NB) netted 10. 

Elizabeth Kennedy (Richmond, BC) was the top scorer for the X-Women in the first half, with nine points.

The X-Women battled back in the opening two minutes of the third and took a 34-33 lead.

A McAffee three-pointer quickly re-gained the REDS advantage and the teams continued to trade baskets. The game was tied at 44 with three minutes to play and remained tied, 50-50, at halftime. 

The fourth quarter saw more of the same end-to-end action, with the score not wavering more than four or five points to either side. 

UNB led 64-59 with two minutes to play after Erin Ingalls (St. George, NB) drained a three-pointer. Speedy then sank a jump shot to give them a seven-point edge and the REDS defense did the rest as the X-Women could not overcome the deficit and time ran out.

UNB closed out the 68-60 win, their second in as many days over the X-Women as they improve to 5-6 on the season, in sixth place in the Atlantic University Sport standings. The X-Women, in seventh place, drop to 2-11.

Kennedy was the top scorer for STFX with 16 points and five rebounds.

For UNB, Butts earned Subway Player of the Game honours, contributing 14 points and 10 rebounds in the win. McAffee scored 15, and also had a double-double with 10 rebounds. Speedy finished with 14 and Ingalls added 11.

The REDS will next see action on Friday, when they host the Cape Breton Capers. Game time is 6:00pm.

The X-Women will travel to Charlottetown on Sunday, to take on the UPEI Panthers.

RECAP BY: Krista McKenna/STFX Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Trish Balcom/for STFX Athletics