Panthers defeat Huskies 73-68 despite 24 points from Widmeyer

CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. - Saint Mary's guard Sophia Widmeyer scored a game-high 24 points in a losing effort, as the UPEI Panthers defeated the Huskies 73-68 on Sunday afternoon in Charlottetown, P.E.I. 

The two teams traded baskets in the game's opening minutes before guard Alicia Bowering hit a three to give the Panthers a 13-10 lead. That sparked the team, as they went on a 9-2 run afterwards to make it 22-12.

Bowering connected on three three-pointers in the quarter and led all scorers with 11 points. After 10 minutes of action, the Panthers doubled their opponent 24-12.

UPEI continued to shoot the ball with confidence and started the second quarter on a 10-3 run to extend the lead to 34-15, forcing the Huskies to call a timeout.

Thanks to some timely defence and a willingness to take the ball to the rim, Saint Mary's was able to trim the deficit to 14 behind a 10-5 run. They also held UPEI scoreless in the final 3:31 to get within nine at the half, 39-30.

Bowering led the way with 14 points on 4-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc, while guard Sophia Widmeyer (Dartmouth, NS) paced the Huskies with 10.

The Panthers came out of the break strong and extended the lead to 48-33 with a 9-3 run that was capped off with a powerful post move by Aiden Rainford.

However, much like they did in the second quarter, the Huskies whittled into the lead. They outscored UPEI 8-0 in the final 2:38 and trailed by just nine, 54-45, going into the fourth.

Saint Mary's continued their strong play and got within two after forward Lucina Beaumont (Fredericton, NB) converted an and-one midway through the quarter.

Moments later, Widmeyer had a chance to make it a one-point game after she was fouled attempting a three. But with a boisterous crowd distracting her, the guard made just one. On the ensuing possession, the Panthers made the Huskies pay, as Bowering iced the game with her fifth triple in the 73-68 win.

Panthers guard Alicia Bowering was named Subway Player of the Game with 20 points, including 5/7 from three. Aiden Rainford led the Panthers with team-high 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Lauren Rainford and Sydney Cummins reached double figures with 15 and 12 points, respectively.

Saint Mary's Sophia Widmeyer finished with a team-high 24 points, while all-star Alaina McMillan was limited to 15 points and six assists on 5-of-14 shooting.

The Panthers win improved their record to 11-5, heading into to a doubleheader next weekend against the Cape Breton Capers.

The Huskies loss drops their record to 11-5, tied with the Panthers for second place in the conference. The Huskies will be back in action on Wednesday night, as they visit the Dalhousie Tigers at Dalplex, with tip-off scheduled for 6 p.m.

Recap by Thomas Becker / UPEI Athletics
Photos courtesy Janessa Hogan / UPEI Athletics