SHERBROOKE, Que. – Ashley Milhomme continues to throw her name in the ring as a contender for RSEQ University women's basketball Rookie of the Year.  The Repentigny, Que. native scored 21 points on Friday night however it was not enough as the Gaiters fell to UQAM 77-54. 
 
Donned in pink for their annual Shoot for the Cure game, Bishop's was sluggish out of the gates.  UQAM jumped on them and outscored the hosts 20-3 in the first quarter. In the stanza Bishop's was 1-8 from the field and turned the ball over 10 times. Another dominant second quarter by the visitors gave them a 42-15 halftime advantage.
 
The Gaiters tightened up after the break and won the second half 39-35 but it was too little too late as UQAM held on for the 77-54 victory. Bishop's turned the ball over 33 times that resulted in 29 UQAM points. That compares to just 14 give-aways by the Citadins. UQAM fired 71 shots from the floor, converting 31 (.437) while Bishop's only got off 48 shots and made 17 (.354).
 
Milhomme led the Gaiters with the 21 points including a 3-4 performance from three-point land, grabbed seven rebounds, added four assists and a pair of steals in 38 minutes on the court. Her 21 points are a career high as well as the most scored by any Gaiter in a contest this year. Super sophomore Noemie Hamel-Petit of Magog played all 40 minutes and scored 11 points; she was the only other Gaiter in double figures.
 
On the UQAM side Jessica Lubin of Montreal recorded a double-double before fouling out in the fourth quarter.  She scored 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Queteline Celestin also from Montreal netted a game-high 23 points. Lorna Desrameaux-Simon (Montreal) and Tina Mpondani (Laval, Que.) rounded out the UQAM players in double digits with 18 and 13 points respectively.
 
The Gaiters continue to search for their elusive first win of the season as they fall to 0-13 with three contests remaining.  UQAM improves to 8-5 and jumps into a tie for second place in the conference.
 
Next up for the Gaiters they will step onto the Mitchell Gym hardwood for the final time this season on Saturday, Feb. 20 when the Concordia Stingers (5-8) visit at 6 p.m.
 
Stay up-to-date with the Gaiters anytime at www.gaiters.ca or on social media using @BishopsGaiters.
 
Note: The CIS Pink Ball that has made its way across the country was in Lennoxville on Friday.  The roots of Shoot for the Cure tie into Bishop's as Rod Gilpin helped start the initiative when he was coaching the women's program. Watch an interview with Gilpin about the idea at https://youtu.be/8NVVd9Lfrhg.
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