Panthers prepare for opening round battle against UNB

By Thomas Becker

It may be only three games that separate the UPEI Women's Basketball Panthers from an AUS title, but they will be their toughest test yet.

The road to the postseason wasn't easy, as the Panthers clawed their way to a 6-12 record, earning a spot in this weekend's AUS Championships in Halifax. As a result, the fifth-seeded Panthers will open the tournament, taking place at Scotiabank Centre, against the fourth-seeded UNB Varsity Reds.

"If we can play our best basketball, three games in a row, I think we have a legitimate chance of winning," said Panthers head coach Greg Gould.

The two teams met in the opening round last year, when the Panthers came out on top 65-45. Now, the new-look Reds are hoping to turn their fortunes around against a hungry Panthers squad.

Head-to-head the matchup is very close. On Jan. 22, UPEI dominated the second quarter on their way to a 70-56 win, while UNB took the Feb. 26 game 70-59 behind a 25-5 second quarter.

Led by a powerful defence that allows just 62.8 points per game and a selfless offence, the Reds are a challenge for any opponent.

"UNB is a good team and they've done a lot of great things this season."

The Panthers hope their perimeter-oriented offence catches fire Friday afternoon, but the difference in the game may come down to how well they defend.

Gould will lean heavily on veterans Anne Kiberd (13 points per game), Katelynn Donahoe (11.8 points per game) and Tamara Tompkins (9.7 points per game) to lead the way.

"To win we have to defend," said Gould "Things go pretty well when we do that."

Although it may be easy to look ahead at their next matchup, Gould knows his team has to come out focused and take on each challenge as it comes.

"At this point all of our focus is on beating UNB. There's no sense worrying about anybody else if you don't win the first game."

Tournament schedule:

Quarter-final 1: (4) UNB vs. (5) UPEI – March 4, 1 p.m.
Quarter-final 2: (3) Cape Breton vs. (6) Dalhousie – March 4, 3 p.m.

Semifinal 1: (1) Saint Mary's vs. Winner QF1 – March 5, 1 p.m.
Semifinal 2: (2) Acadia vs. Winner QF2 – March 5, 3 p.m.

Final: Winner SF1 vs. Winner SF2 – March 6, 1 p.m.