Strong second half helps Seahawks oust Panthers

(St. John's, NL.) – A 45-point second half outburst helped the Memorial Sea-Hawks top the UPEI Panthers 83-61 on Sunday afternoon at the Field House. 

Perimeter play was instrumental in the Sea-Hawks win, as they knocked down 11 three-pointers compared to just 3 for the visiting Panthers. Sydney Ezekiel and Jane Baird knocked down 3 each, with Ezekiel finishing with 15 points and Baird contributing with 11 points.

It was another strong performance by Graciela Diaz-Brito that helped set the tone for the Sea-Hawks as she finished with yet another double-double, scoring a team high 20 points, while hauling down 11 rebounds.  Sydney Stewart had another consistent performance for the Hawks, finishing with 13 points and dishing out 4 assists.

Despite having some good looks, the Panthers went cold in the third quarter, shooting just 29.4 percent as the Seahawks ended the quarter up 21-10. 

With Jenna-Mae Ellsworth not playing today, it would be Kiera Rigy shouldering the load for the Panthers.  Rigby finished with a game high 22 points and also grabbed 8 rebounds.  Kimeshia Henry was also a bright spot for the Panthers, scoring 15 points and providing 3 steals in the loss.

The win gives the Sea-Hawks a little breathing room on the Panthers for fourth place in the AUS standings.  

Memorial heads to Wolfiville, NS next weekend to finish up their regular season against the Acadia Axewomen.  The Panthers  return home next Sunday for a matchup with the first place Cape Breton Capers.