LENNOXVILLE, Que. – "Right now it's more about ourselves, we have to find a way to execute for 40 minutes. I'm not as concerned about Laval and McGill as I am about Bishop's."
 
That is the message that Bishop's Gaiters head coach is giving his players as they prepare for their final two RSEQ University women's basketball games before the Christmas break.  On Thursday, they are in Quebec City to face the No.1 Laval Rouge et Or at 6 p.m. and on Saturday they will host McGill at 6 p.m. in Mitchell Gym.
 
 "We are looking forward to the challenge and want to end our semester on a positive note," Norman added. "It is the second time in a couple weeks we are playing these teams, we have prepped for them once and know what to expect."
 
Where we stand
Laval is the class not only of the conference but also of the country. They are 4-0 in conference play and sit atop the standings. They are also 11-0 overall against U SPORTS competition and hold the No. 1 ranking in the nation.
 
The Gaiters are 1-3 in RSEQ play. They have dropped their last three, including games against Laval and McGill, after winning their season opener over UQAM. Bishop's currently sits in the fourth and final playoff spot.  Overall, they are 3-6 against U SPORTS teams.
 
RSEQ Standings
 
Thursday, Feb. 29 @ Laval, 6 p.m.
PEPS
Webcast: https://www.youtube.com/user/RougeEtOr
Tickets: https://rougeetor.ulaval.ca/sports/basketball-feminin/calendrier/
Twitter: @luke_connelly
 
Statistically Speaking
Laval leads the RSEQ in virtually every statistical category as a team; however, on the individual side they only have Sarah-Jane Marois in the top-10 in scoring. She is averaging 15.5 points per game, good for fifth place.
 
Last time out
Laval showed off their depth and beat the Gaiters 68-38 on Nov. 17 in Lennoxville. That game featured 10 Laval players playing 10 minutes or more and starter Naomi Lavallee played nine. Marie-Pier Champagne was the lone player to score in double figures with 12 points.
 
For Bishop's Marie Berrouette (Montreal, Que./Dawson College) grabbed 12 rebounds.  She is currently leading the conference with 12.5 boards per game.
 
Saturday, Dec. 1 vs. McGill, 6 p.m.
Mitchell Gym
Webcast: www.gaiters.ca/webcast
Tickets: www.gaiters.ca/tickets
Twitter: @BishopsGaiters
 
Lend a Helping Hand
The Bishop's Gaiters have teamed up with the Bishop's University Commerce Society. Together they will collect non-perishable food items and donations for the Lennoxville Elementary School Christmas Food Drive at Saturday's basketball games.
 
Last time out
McGill got the better of the Gaiters in Montreal on Nov. 15. On the heels of Sirah Diarra's 20 points and 23 rebounds, the Martlets cruised to a 67-44 victory. Charlotte Clayton added 11 for McGill. 
 
Berrouette registered her own double-double with 11 points and 15 rebounds while Maude Archambault (St-Augustine-de-Desmaures, Que./Cegep de Montmorency) scored 17. Both Gaiters players were on the court for all 40 minutes.
 
Social Corner
Stay up-to-date anytime with the Bishop's Gaiters on social media by using @BishopsGaiters or #GaiterNation or on the web at www.gaiters.ca.
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