Rustlers Women's Basketball | Weekend Recap - Feb 20 & 21, 2020
The Rustlers women's basketball team split their weekend series with the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) Ooks.
On Thursday night in Edmonton, the Rustlers would lose a heartbreaker in the final minutes of the game 60-61.
The game was close throughout the first half. The Rustlers were up by 1 point at the end of the first quarter, and down by 3 at the half (30-33). In the third quarter, the Rustlers outscore the Ooks 14-3 giving them an 8-point lead (44-36). The strong third quarter play was thanks to a combination of offense and defense from everyone on the floor. Third-year forward, Bilge Topaloglu had 4 points in the quarter, third-year guards, Tori Dugan and Jaden Cook had 3 points each.
The Ooks would respond with a very strong fourth quarter in which they would come from behind and take the lead in the final 5 seconds of the game. The Rustlers would ultimately lose the game 60-61.
Player of the game for the Rustlers was third-year forward, Bilge Topaloglu with a team-high 16 points, and 17 rebounds. Third year guard, Tori Dugan added 12 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist and 1 steal. Fifth-year Brianne Hergott had 9 points, 14 rebounds and 2 assists in the game.
On Friday night in Lloydminster the Rustlers looked to bounce back from their tough loss the night before. The Rustlers would take this game at home over the Ooks 66-55.
The first half was once again a close one between the Ooks and Rustlers, and at the half the score was 30-28 in favour of the Ooks.
The second half was when the Rustlers began to take off, outscoring the Ooks to eventually take the game. In the third quarter the Rustlers gained a lead of 6 points, and in the fourth quarter they further extended their lead to 11. The fourth quarter charge was led by fourth-year guard, Angela Baran with 18 points and 1 rebound.
Angela Baran would be awarded player of the game for the Rustlers for her impressive performance in the fourth quarter than solidified the Rustler win. By the end of the game she had 20 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal.
Bilge Topaloglu added 14 points, 9 rebounds and 2 steals for the Rustlers, and Brianne Hergott had 10 points, 4 rebounds and 1 steal. Tori Dugan had 10 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals in the game.
The Rustlers basketball teams are heading into their final weekend of league this upcoming weekend taking on the Concordia Thunder. Saturday night in Lloydminster will be senior night for the basketball teams in which the women will celebrate fifth year player, Brianne Hergott, before heading to Conference Championships the following week.