WBB Weekend Recap | February 15 & 16, 2019
It was an important weekend for the Lakeland Rustlers women's basketball team, who needed two wins over the NAIT Ooks to help ensure they would make playoffs.
The Ooks were in Lloydminster Friday night, with the Rustlers looking to get another win on their home court. NAIT came out quick to start the game, but Lakeland responded to tie the score at 16 after the first quarter. The intensity was high throughout the game, with both teams battling for a playoff spot. The Rustlers knocked down a couple of three-pointers in the second quarter and looked like they were going to take the lead into the half, but instead, the Ooks would lead 29-28. In a slow, low scoring third quarter, the Rustlers were able to outscore the Ooks and take a one-point lead into the fourth. The game would come down to the final minutes, with neither team giving an inch. The Rustlers forced the Ooks into tough shots and converted free throws when it mattered most, helping them come away with the 62-54 win.
Leading the way for the Rustlers was second-year guard Kaitlyn Tonita with 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal, while third-year guard Meg Ferraz added 9 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists off the bench. Player of the game for the Rustlers was second-year forward Bilge Topaloglu, who finished the game with 8 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals.
It was another 40-minute battle Saturday night in Edmonton, with the Ooks looking to get a win on senior night. NAIT once again had a strong first quarter, while the Rustlers fell into playing the Ooks type of game. Heading into the second quarter, the Rustlers found themselves trailing 15-11, but would not get down. In a huge second quarter, Lakeland outscored the Ooks 23-11, capping it off with a three-pointer by fourth-guard Taiya Paylor off the bench.
At the half, the Rustlers led 34-26. In the third quarter, the Rustlers struggled to score, only putting up 6 points in 10 minutes. The Ooks however, were able to score 10 points in the third, but the Rustlers still led 40-36 heading into the fourth. The fourth quarter was close until the final buzzer, with the Ooks cutting the Rustlers lead to two with less than 3 minutes to play. Topaloglu knocked down three free throws in the final minutes for the Rustlers, who came away with the 53-48 win.
Leading the way for the Rustlers was fourth-year forward Brianne Hergott with 14 points and 12 rebounds, earning her player of the game. The Rustlers also got 8 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals and an assist from third-year guard Tori Dugan.
The Rustlers sit tied for 1st in the ACAC North Division with a 15-7 record and two games remaining. The Rustlers face the University of Alberta – Augustana Vikings next weekend, as they look to solidify their playoff position. The Rustlers will be in Camrose to face the Vikings Friday night before returning home Saturday for the rematch. Saturday night's game is set to get underway at 6 pm.