McMillan scores 20 as Huskies defeat Sea-Hawks 85-72 in season-opener

All-Star guard Alaina McMillan (Brantford, ON) scored 20 points as the Saint Mary's Huskies defeated the Memorial Sea-Hawks 85-72 to open the regular season on Saturday in St. John's, NL.

The two teams battled a close score the entire game, however, the Huskies were able to maintain their lead from start to finish to eventually defeat the Sea-Hawks. After the first half the Huskies held a 43-37 lead and would look to extend that as the game extends into the second half. With the Sea-Hawks chasing the game a bit in the first half, the home team would look to extend their scoring from beyond the arc to catch the Huskies. Despite the Sea-Hawks best efforts, they weren't able to complete the comeback, and the Huskies were able to hold on for a well-deserved victory.

Leading the cause of the Sea-Hawks was guard Rebecka Ekström, who's 19 points included a great performance from 3-pt range, going 5/8 from the land beyond. Alana Short (13) and Hannah Green (13) were the only other Sea-Hawks in double digits. Point Guard Inés Salat Margarit was all over the court like she is on most night, always in the middle of the action, providing her value in various ways. Margarit recorded an impressive stat line of 7 points – 9 rebounds – 5 assists to fill up the stat sheet, expect Margarit to post similar stat lines throughout the remainder of the season. 

Huskies star guard Alaina McMillan provided plenty of offence for the visiting squad, posting a game-high 20 points on the evening, including 3 made shots from behind the arc, and was named Subway Player of the Game.

Huskies forward Marlo Steenbakkers (Ottawa, ON) was all over the backboard for Saint Mary's, grabbing a solid 15 points and a game-high 9 rebounds, she proved too much for the Sea-Hawks in the paint. Rounding out the scoring for the Huskies were Lucina Beaumont (Fredericton, NB) and Courtney Donaldson (Kelowna, BC) who both scored 12 points and provided valuable baskets to maintain their team's lead.

The two teams will meet again on Sunday, with tip-off scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Atlantic. The Huskies will return to Halifax for their home opener as they host crosstown rivals the Dalhousie Tigers on Thursday, Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. Atlantic. GET TICKETS