Axewomen clinch semifinal bye with win over UNB

The Acadia Axewomen secured a 73-67 victory over the UNB Reds on Friday at the Richard J. Currie Center, clinching a spot in the AUS semifinals at the conference championship in Halifax on March 1.

Acadia capitalized on 10 steals and 26 points off turnovers to outpace UNB, overcoming a 39-29 rebounding disadvantage. The Axewomen were effective from the free-throw line, converting 20 of 29 attempts.

Bianca Helmig led Acadia with 17 points, shooting 8-for-22 from the field while adding seven assists and three steals. Samantha Russell had a standout performance with a game-high 33 points, going 15-for-19 from the free-throw line and securing a double-double with 10 rebounds. Lisa Bolander contributed nine points, six assists and three steals.

Katie Butts led UNB with 23 points on 8-for-12 shooting, including two three-pointers, while adding 11 rebounds and six blocks. Addie Mombourquette scored 18 points, hitting two shots from beyond the arc, and added two blocks and two steals. Lillian Fuller chipped in with nine points, six rebounds and a team-high six assists.

The teams were tied 19-19 after the first quarter before Acadia took control, outscoring UNB 20-15 in the second frame, aided by four three-pointers. The Axewomen extended their lead in the third quarter, forcing eight turnovers and scoring 12 points off UNB's mistakes to take a 59-48 advantage into the final frame.

Russell sealed the win with eight fourth-quarter points, as Acadia held off a late push from the Reds.

The AUS championship schedule will be announced at the conclusion of the regular season this weekend, along with Acadia's semifinal opponent.