Panthers escape with 73-71 win over Reds

FREDERICTON, NB—The UPEI Panthers scored a narrow 73-71 victory over the UNB REDS in an intense Atlantic University Sport women's basketball game at UNB's Richard J. Currie Center.

In the first quarter Katie Butts (Ottawa, ON) set the tone for the REDS, securing an early 3-0 lead.

With UNB maintaining relentless defensive pressure, the Panthers were held to just six points while REDS' guard Lillian Fuller (Dartmouth, NS) added three points to extend the lead to 17-6.

UNB's Leah Travers (Calgary, AB) closed out the quarter with a three-pointer, cementing a 20-8 lead at the buzzer.

The Panthers kicked off the second quarter with intensity, narrowing the gap to 20-12.

Grace Lancaster (Fall River, NS) sustained the momentum, bringing the score within reach at 30-27.

A pivotal foul shot from Lily Vrugteman (Cambridge, ON) earned the Panthers their first lead at 31-30, which they extended to a 37-32 advantage at the half-time break.

In the third quarter the Panthers reinforced their advantage, extending the score to 40-34.

Despite strong efforts from the REDS, including foul shots from Butts and a late push from Travers to bring the score to 60-50, UPEI's offense remained dominant, ending the quarter with a 62-50 lead.

Momentum stayed with the REDS in the last quarter as they fought back to trail 62-58, but the Panthers held on for the 73-71 victory.

The win pushes UPEI's record at 6-3. The loss brings the REDS to 3-6 in the AUS standings.

Lauren Rainford (Toronto, ON) led the Panthers, scoring 22 points. Lancaster finished the night with 11.

Butts scored a game-high 24 points for UNB while Fuller finished with a dozen and Travers with nine.

Both teams now enter the holiday break.

The REDS will play their next match on Friday, January 10th, hosting the Cape Breton CAPERS at 6 p.m.

The Panthers will head to Halifax that night to face the Saint Mary's Huskies.

RECAP BY: Annabelle Jewett, for UNB Athletics / PHOTOS BY: Fran Harris, for UNB Athletics