Huskies defeat X-Women 65-59

ANTIGONISH, NS - The U SPORTS #2 ranked Saint Mary's Huskies improved their unbeaten streak to 17 straight games, defeating the STFX X-Women 65-59 in Atlantic University Sport women's basketball action on Saturday night at Coach K Court in Antigonish, NS.

Saint Mary's came out firing in the first quarter, shooting 53.3% from the field and knocking down 66.7% from three-point range to establish a 19-13 lead. 

STFX responded with a strong push in the second, outscoring the Huskies 20-17 to cut the deficit to just three at halftime (36-33). 

Both teams struggled offensively in the third frame, but Saint Mary's managed to extend their lead slightly, 50-44, heading into the final period. 

The X-Women kept it close in the fourth quarter, but the Huskies' consistency at the free-throw line (75% in the second half) helped seal the win. 

Clara Gascoigne was named Player of the Game for SMU, leading her squad with 18 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals. Evie Hargraves had a double-double game with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Chloe Wilson scored 15 points. Marlo Steenbakkers added 10 points and 9 rebounds for the Huskies.

STFX Player of the Game Ekaterina Karchevskaya scored a team-high 17 points, along with contributing 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Kristine Cooper scored 10 points and had 9 rebounds and 7 assists. Jaya D'Souza netted 10 points including a pair of three-pointers. 

The X-Women were 7 of 29 (24.1%) from the three-point arc, while the Huskies hit 8 of 24 (33.3%).

The Huskies win improves their record to a league-leading 17-0 on the season. Saint Mary's are back on home court on Wednesday, Feb. 12, hosting the Acadia Axewomen (12-5) at 6 p.m. at the Homburg Centre. GET TICKETS

The X-Women loss drops their record to 7-9 on the campaign. STFX will be back on home court next weekend, hosting the UNB REDS (9-8) for a pair of games on Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15 on Coach K Court.

Photos by Bryan Kennedy / STFX Athletics