|
Box Score 2 Oct. 4
th-5
th
Mckeen Metro Glebe Tournament
Carleton University
Ottawa, Ontario
Game 1
Thompson Rivers Wolfpack 59 Bishop's Gaiters 67 (4-0)
Score by Quarters 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Thompson Rivers 9 6 23 21
Bishop's 18 15 17 17
Our women came out strong in the first half imposing their will over what appeared to be an outmatched TRU squad. The score after Q1 was double in our favor 18-9. The second quarter saw even greater defense, TRU only scored 3 points until they fluked in a 3 pointer at the buzzer to close the half. But it gave them life as well! What was so troubling was the fact that the Gaiters had committed 14 turnovers at half- not a stat that you can build on.
TRU is very well coached, TRU ran intricate Euro patterns and the orange jerseys came alive outscoring BU in the second half 44-34. Our turnovers continued (12) and things just spiraled downward. Give credit to TRU- they battled, they adjusted, they became very enthused about their chances. TRU was inspired and our Gaiters were a bit too casual. BU played to keep from losing in the 2nd half but this IS a young team and you are going to have games like this. Like former great Gaiter shooter Tom Van Alstine was heard to say: "That's what pre-season is for." But a W is a W and it was a W.
BU -
Amaiquen Siciliano (Buenos Aires, Argentina/Velez Sarsfield) 21 points 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals.
Deborah Aboagaye (Montreal, Que./) 18 points, 5 rebounds,
Jael Kabunda (Montreal, Que./) 16 points 5 rebounds.
Game 2
Bishop's Gaiters 72 (4-1) Carleton Ravens 74 Overtime
Score by Quarters 1st 2nd 3rd 4th OT
Bishop's 8 13 23 19 9
Carleton 13 15 15 20 11
WHAT A GAME FOR OUR YOUNG GAITERS!!!!!!!!! WOW! Playing a nationally ranked team in their own gym- a team that is just 2 years removed from winning a National Championship- this Gaiter squad stepped UP and played a game that you would usually see in March. Hey, that's a great idea: this Gaiter squad playing in March!
Ok, back to the game. It had everything: our Gaiters being down at halftime by 7 and being asked to respond, our Gaiters taking care of the ball and only committing 10 turnovers in 45 minutes taking the lead in the second half being up 5- 63-58 with 1:20 left in regulation. Then the individuals in stripes exerted themselves a little calling an unsportsmanlike foul (2 and the ball) AND then we fouled a 3 point attempt. Overtime. Long story short, with 8 seconds to go, score tied 72 all, Carleton ball just in front of their bench away from the basket they are scoring on, inbounded to their All Canadian Alyssa Cerina (31 points, 18 rebounds - yep, she's good!) who went about 64 feet all the way for a layup (got to square up the dribbler!!!!) at the buzzer.
Yes our little Argentinian wizard had herself an afternoon scoring 30 points on 11/35 shooting. When the shot clock winds down on any possession the ball goes to her! Ama was also a perfect 11 for 11 from the free throw line on the weekend. Supporting this great effort were rookie
Jael Kabunda (Montreal, Que./) with 13 points, 8 rebounds, rookie
Deborah Aboagaye (Montreal, Que./) 12 points 5 rebounds,
Marie Berrouette (Montreal, Que./Dawson College) had 9 points and 9 rebounds. Just an incredible effort by ALL our ladies.
Sometimes, the growth chart of a team dictates that you might have to lose a game like this to learn how to win a game like this - I predict exactly that!
Coach Norman's remarks:
We played two entirely different games and opponents this past weekend. We defeated TRU ?on Friday evening. Played a great first half of defense and were up 18 points at the half. We were real poor in the second half especially on the offensive end where as a team we turned the ball over 26 times which allowed TRU to climb back into the game. We were not sharp. We looked tired and we stopped playing as a unit. In essence, we went off script as a team. We did get the win and we are grateful. We did learn a lesson and that was that poor offense leads to poor defense. They are connected. When you don't take care of the ball transition defense and offensive flow are greatly compromised.
In game two we came out with a simple game plan versus a high quality opponent. We knew we had to transition defensively, defend ball screens, dribble penetration and a simple cross-screen that lead into high/low action.
We were down 7 at the half and got down by as much as 10 mid way through the third quarter. WE STAYED ON SCRIPT – that was our game plan offensively. We ran set plays out of time outs and any dead ball situation which kept Carleton guessing at times defensively. We had flow on the offensive end and we moved the ball and trusted each other. We had a remarkable 10 turnovers as a team in 45 minutes of play. Ama and Metchline who are our primary ball handlers had 1 turnover combined in 80 minutes of action. Great decision making by our whole team. We made many mistakes as a TEAM down the stretch in a wonderfully played game at this point in the season. We also had many opportunities to put Carleton away and we could not knock them out. This game will be remembered by our young athletes and hopefully will serve as a key indicator of the potential of this team. There were so many positives that came out of this road trip. We matured as a team, we prepared as a team, we were focused and purposeful as a team, we won as a team, we lost as a team, and as a result we cried and laughed as a team. So many great performances throughout the tournament. So many great moments. Such high character student-athletes. I am so proud of them. I am so grateful I get to coach them. They are impacting me with their resilience and toughness and their ability to fight and compete through adversity and in the process gain valuable experience.
Next up for the Gaiters:
Laval Tournament - Quebec City
Thursday, October 17 vs Toronto 6 p.m.
Friday, October 18 vs UPEI 2 p.m.
