TORONTO — The No. 10 nationally-ranked Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's basketball team fell short in an intense matchup against the No. 4-ranked Carleton Ravens, 63-56 in TMU's first game of 2025.
Starting in the first quarter, the Bold came out timid and Carleton used their physicality to gain control of the game.
"They rushed us and we had a bunch of turnovers in the beginning so kind of just little things that I think aren't normal for us. As the game progressed I think those little things got better," said Jayme Foreman.
Offensive efforts from both Kaillie Hall and Catrina Garvey helped the Bold stand their ground. The Ravens claimed the lead early, ending the first quarter 22-14.
Wanting to feed off their offensive spurt at the end of the first, the Bold found themselves to be comfortable behind the arc in the second quarter.
Both Hall and Garvey ended the first half with nine points, pushing to keep the Bold in the game with key plays.
The intensity and fast paced nature of the game resulted in consistent turnovers for both teams, trying to find their composure.
"Big game, two top teams going at it, the intensity and competitiveness was high for sure," said Bold Coach Carly Clarke.
Despite the Bold chipping away at the score gap, the Ravens sustained their lead at half 39-30.
The second half of the game mirrored physicality. With the score closer together, the Bold pushed on the offensive and Carleton replied with intense defense.
Clarke spoke of the physical nature of today's game, "Carleton's really good, they're physical and they defend better than anybody in the country."
Hall and Garvey continued to shine in the second half of the game doing a good job at finding open space and trusting their shots. Hall finished the game with 21 points and Garvey followed behind with 16.
Despite TMU's offensive drive, Carleton maintained their lead after the third quarter, 57-46.
In the fourth quarter, the Bold tried to generate points but struggled to get shots to fall.
"We just couldn't find an offensive rhythm late in the game to be able to complete the comeback," said Coach Clarke.
The Ravens bested the Bold, taking the win 63-56.
On Sunday, Jan. 12 the Bold will face the Brock University Badgers, the team currently ranked first in the OUA Central division.
Foreman believes that this loss won't shake the team before their key matchup tomorrow, "Going into tomorrow's game it's the mindset of we've got this and we can keep going. This game didn't let us lose confidence."
TMU will be competing against a familiar face on Sunday. Former TMU women's basketball Lead Assistant coach Shae Dheensaw is now the head coach of Brock.
"Super exciting you know, really proud of her and that she's got the opportunity over there. We've had a rivalry with Brock for a few years so I think that just enhances it," said Clarke.
Foreman is curious how her former coach will structure her play, "I know Brock is looking a little different with her as a coach, so it will be interesting to play them and see how she decides to go up against us because she knows a lot about how we play."
Tip-off at the Mattamy Athletic Centre is scheduled for 4 p.m. TMU students can attend all TMU home games for free with their OneCard.
