LONDON, Ont. — The No. 5 nationally ranked Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's basketball team fell 90-88 in a tight contest against the Western University Mustangs.

Hailey Franco DeRyck led the Bold, recording a triple-double with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.

Entering the matchup, Western sat third in the OUA West with a 9-7 record, but the Mustangs wasted no time proving they were legitimate contenders.

The first quarter began at a slower pace for TMU, as Western's unexpected power disrupted the Bold defensively. The score remained close early before the Mustangs went on a run and pulled ahead.

Catrina Garvey helped keep the Bold within reach, shooting efficiently from the perimeter and applying defensive pressure to force turnovers. She led TMU offensively early, finishing the first half with 13 points.

Despite her efforts, it wasn't enough to match Western's offensive execution, as TMU trailed 23-17 at the end of the first quarter.

Western maintained its momentum to open the second quarter, with Sydney Cowan finding her rhythm. Head coach Carly Clarke called an early timeout, allowing the Bold to regroup.

TMU responded by settling into its offence, with Myriam Kone finding her confidence. Kone scored 13 points and grabbed six rebounds in the quarter, while Franco DeRyck battled inside and closed the half with 12 points.

With the Bold clicking offensively, they entered halftime with a narrow 46-45 lead.

The intensity ramped up after the break as the game became more physical. Franco DeRyck and Kone responded with their own physicality and dominance on the offensive end.

The game remained tight throughout the third quarter, with each team answering the other. Eternati Willock asserted herself under the rim, while Garvey added points from mid-range. However, turnovers late in the quarter proved costly for TMU as the Mustangs tightened defensively.

Despite late efforts from Franco DeRyck, Western held a 66-62 advantage heading into the final frame.

The fourth quarter was a down-to-the-wire battle, a true pressure test for the Bold. Alex Pino stood out in the closing stretch, knocking down timely three-pointers and finishing with 12 points. Kone continued to execute key plays, including a highlight pass that led to a Pino three.

The game was tied at the four-minute mark, but the Mustangs capitalized at the free-throw line as both teams entered the bonus.

TMU continued to fight until the final buzzer, including Garvey drawing a foul and converting all three free throws with less than a second remaining, but Western held on for the 90-88 victory.

The loss marks just the second of the season for TMU, moving their record to 14-2. The Bold will return home following an extended road stretch to face the undefeated OUA East-leading Queen's University Gaels.

The game is set for Friday, Jan. 30, at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m., and all TMU students can attend for free with their OneCard.