WINDSOR, Ont. — The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's basketball team made their way down the 401 for a nationally ranked showdown against the University of Windsor Lancers. After a tight battle, the No. 5 Bold defeated the No. 10 Lancers 82-72.
Myriam Kone led the charge for TMU with 20 points, while
Catrina Garvey added 17, shooting 66 per cent from beyond the arc.
Eternati Willock had a standout night, posting a season-high 13 points and seven rebounds, while
Hailey Franco DeRyck continued her strong play of late with a double-double, recording 11 points and 11 rebounds.
The opening frame was tightly contested, with both teams trading go-ahead points. Garvey opened the offence for the Bold with a three, setting an early tone. Franco DeRyck quickly fed off the energy, finishing strong at the rim on two occasions.
TMU ran into early foul trouble and struggled to find their shot, while jumpers from Windsor's Kali Grootenboer helped the Lancers create separation. Not wanting to let Windsor become too comfortable,
Alex Pino netted a timely three.
The Bold kept the game within reach after the first 10 minutes, trailing 18-14.
The second quarter belonged to TMU, as the Bold outshot Windsor 26-16 to fuel a strong comeback. Kone began to take over, hitting a jumper and-one and repeatedly drawing fouls to get to the line. She also showcased her range, nailing several jumpers.
Jessica Keripe and
Kait Nichols made their presence felt from the outside, while Willock and Franco DeRyck attacked inside. TMU's defence was equally dominant, limiting easy opportunities for the Lancers.
Carrying their momentum into halftime, Garvey delivered a reverse layup-and-one and Kone knocked down a last-minute three, giving TMU a 40-34 lead at the break.
The Lancers responded in the third quarter, rattling the Bold with a run of their own. TMU struggled with turnovers and foul trouble, which resulted in
Zoe Idahosa making an early exit from the game.
With Windsor ahead, TMU pushed late in the third to minimize the deficit. Franco DeRyck connected on a wide-open fadeaway, and Willock secured a late jumper to reclaim the lead, 57-55, heading into the fourth.
The final quarter opened with a tense back-and-forth battle, as neither team was able to pull away. The Bold answered the pressure with strong defensive plays, limiting the Lancers' opportunities.
A highlight block by Keripe sparked a fast-break three from Garvey, helping TMU regain control. The transition offence clicked, and a late three by Garvey, paired with a smart backdoor cut from Franco DeRyck to Willock, sealed the win.
TMU left the court victorious, 82-72.
The Bold will continue their weekend against the Western University Mustangs on Saturday, Jan. 24, in London, Ont. Tip-off at Alumni Hall is set for 6:00 p.m. Watch the contest on OUA.tv.