Huskies remain perfect with 63-39 win over Panthers

HALIFAX, NS – The U SPORTS #3 ranked Saint Mary's Huskies extended their win streak to 11 games, defeating the UPEI Panthers 63-39 in Atlantic University Sport women's basketball action on Saturday afternoon at the Homburg Centre.

After scoring a career-high 28 points in Friday's win over the Panthers, Huskies guard Aki Kobayashi (Osaka, Japan) continued her momentum, opening the scoring with a three-pointer. The Huskies strong start continued with contributions from Clara Gascoigne (Dartmouth, NS) and Chloe Wilson (Dartmouth, NS), who converted an and-one lay-up to extend the lead to 14-0.

The Panthers cut into the lead with a pair of baskets from forward Abby Miller (Mount Denson, NS) and a lay-in from guard Lauren Rainford (Toronto, ON), but the Huskies saw guards Julia Black (Halifax, NS) and Molly Healy (St. John's, NL) both hit three-pointers to extend the Saint Mary's lead to 26-9 after the first quarter.

HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ��

Evie Hargraves finds Chloe Wilson for the hoop and the harm! Huskies lead 26-9 after the first quarter. pic.twitter.com/AHYyJRWwLb

— Saint Mary's Huskies (@SMUHuskies) January 11, 2025

The Huskies perimeter attack continued into the second quarter, with forwards Chloe Wilson, Marlo Steenbakkers (Ottawa, ON) and Lucina Beaumont (Fredericton, NB) each hitting three-pointers to add on to the lead, while Kobayashi facilitated the Huskies attack, including a gorgeous no-look pass to Gascoigne, and the Huskies took a 46-20 lead into half-time.

HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ��

Aki Kobayashi drops a no-look dime to Clara Gascoigne! Huskies lead 46-20 at the half. pic.twitter.com/6wGEPhoIMU

— Saint Mary's Huskies (@SMUHuskies) January 11, 2025

The third quarters was more of a defensive battle, as both teams struggled with their efficiency, but the Huskies lockdown defence continued, as they held the Panthers to just eight points in the frame, taking a 55-28 lead into the fourth quarter.

HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ��

Another Kobayashi dime as she finds Katelyn Power for the easy two as the Huskies lead 55-28 after three quarters. pic.twitter.com/hkw31bYA6o

— Saint Mary's Huskies (@SMUHuskies) January 11, 2025

The Panthers outscored the Huskies 11-8 in the fourth quarter, including a three-pointer from guard Samantha Zoffranieri (Brampton, ON), but the Huskies bench was solid, including first year guard Jenna Chateau (Toronto, ON) hitting a three-pointer for her first career points, as the Huskies cruised to a 63-39 victory.

HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ��

Jenna Chateau hits a three pointer for the first points of her @AUS_SUA career! Huskies improve to 11-0 on the season with a 63-39 win! pic.twitter.com/FZlwu0jSWa

— Saint Mary's Huskies (@SMUHuskies) January 11, 2025

Huskies forward Chloe Wilson was named Player of the Game, scoring 11 points in just 17 minutes of action. Lucina Beaumont added 12 points and six rebounds, while Aki Kobayashi dished out a season-high eight assists, and Clara Gascoigne stuffed the stat-sheet with eight points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and one blocked shot.

The Panthers were led by guard Devon Lawlor who hit three three-pointer for a team-high nine points, while forward Abby Miller added eight points and seven rebounds.

With the win, the Huskies unbeaten streak grows to 11-0, leading the AUS. The Huskies will hit the road next week, visiting the UNB REDS (5-6) on Friday, Jan. 17 in Fredericton, NB.

The Panthers loss drops their record to 6-5 on the campaign. They'll be back on home court next weekend, hosting the Dalhousie Tigers (2-9) on Saturday, Jan. 18 in Charlottetown, PEI.

Recap by Allan April / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics
Photos by Eduardo Ibarra / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics