QUEBEC CITY —The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's basketball team held off the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds 68-66 in the consolation semifinal of the U SPORTS Final 8.

Catrina Garvey led the Bold to their victory with 19 points, while Myriam Kone followed closely with 18.

Entering the game, both teams were looking to rebound after tough quarterfinal defeats on this national stage.

UBC opened the first quarter with an offensive spurt, challenging TMU right from the jump. The Bold looked slightly unsettled in the first minutes but gradually found their footing.

Carrying over her three-point success from the previous night, Ella McDonald got on the board early. Hailey Franco DeRyck also added to the Bold effort from inside the paint and shooting from midrange. 

The Bold and Thunderbirds traded the lead in the closing minutes of the first quarter, but UBC prevailed by one, 14-13. 

TMU came out eager to reset in the second quarter, establishing an early six-point lead. Garvey continued to shine from her usual spot beyond the arc, accumulating 12 points in the first half. 

UBC, however, pushed quickly to regain control. By halftime, TMU trailed 34-29.

In the third quarter, the Bold dug deep and found their grit. Kone sparked the Bold offence with back-to-back mid-range jumpers, coming alive in the second half.

TMU outscored the Thunderbirds 22-13 in the third, their offence finally clicking. Alex Pino knocked down her second three-pointer of the night to put TMU ahead, and Jessica Keripe followed with one of her own to extend the Bold's newfound lead.

TMU closed the third ahead, 53-49.

The contest remained tight until the final buzzer. Each time the Bold created separation, UBC found a way to respond. Key plays from Kone and two crucial backdoor layups from McDonald gave the Bold the edge they needed late in the game.

Garvey ultimately sealed the 68-66 victory, converting all four of her free throws in her two late trips to the line. 

With the win, TMU advanced to the national consolation final against the Carleton University Ravens, setting up a rematch of the OUA Critelli Cup final. 

Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. at the Amphithéâtre Desjardins-Université Laval. Fans can stream the Bold's final game of the 2025-26 season for free on CBC Gem.