SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. — The No. 3 nationally ranked Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's basketball team secured a decisive 67-27 victory over the Algoma University Thunderbirds. The win marks TMU's eighth consecutive triumph, extending their undefeated season.
Hailey Franco DeRyck recorded a strong double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while
Magdalena Vukojev added a career-high 11 points.
Coming into the matchup, Algoma sat at the bottom of the OUA West standings with a 0-7 record. The game provided the Bold an opportunity to run their plays and give valuable minutes to the bench.
TMU experienced a few early hiccups in the first quarter, with the score remaining close in the opening minutes. Franco DeRyck and
Kait Nichols battled in the paint to help establish a lead, while
Alex Pino and
Ella McDonald excelled from the perimeter. After a slow start, the Bold closed out the quarter with a 25-9 advantage.
In the second quarter, TMU shot sharply from the 3-point line, with both
Catrina Garvey and Vukojev hitting jumpers to extend the lead. Defensively, TMU locked down, holding the Thunderbirds to just four points. With their offense in rhythm and Algoma struggling to score, the Bold entered halftime ahead, 39-13.
Bold ball movement was key in the third quarter, allowing contributions from the entire team. They excelled at offensive rebounding, creating valuable second-chance opportunities.
Jessica Keripe hit a beautiful three-pointer, while
Zoe Idahosa showcased a strong move under the rim.
Aislin McBurney also stood out, scoring back-to-back layups. TMU continued to suppress the Thunderbirds, extending their lead to 56-17 after the third.
In the fourth quarter, the Bold focused on maintaining composure and protecting their lead. With confidence in her shot, Pino finished the game with 10 points, while Vukojev and Idahosa continued adding baskets. TMU closed out the game with a dominant 67-27 victory over Algoma.
The Bold will now rest and recover before returning to the court on Friday, Nov. 28, to host the Laurentian University Voyageurs at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. Tip-off is at 6:00 p.m., and all TMU students get in free with their OneCard.