The UNB REDS won the first game of the weekend against the Dalhousie Tigers, dropping 82 points at Dalplex on Friday.
The first quarter started strong with fluid passing on both teams. Tigers point guard Mercy Olugu (Halifax, NS) controlled the pace with strong passes and a full court press. Olugu's court presence led to several REDS turnovers. The score was tight between both teams and at the end of the first quarter, the REDS were up 16-12.
In the second quarter, the REDS carried over the momentum they had in the first. Starting off strong with a tight jump shot from Butts, the REDS attack dismantled the Tigers defense. The Tigers were never far behind, making the most of every foul that put them on the free throw line. Late in the quarter, Tigers guard Sarah Valley (Regina, SK) was fouled under the basket and successfully made the extra shot. Valley was the top scorer for the Tigers with 13 points, two 3-pointers, and two rebounds.
The Tigers started the third quarter confidently. Forward Abby Carpenter (Torbay, NL) sank a three-pointer under pressure for Dal's first points of the quarter. The REDS then sent Kelsey Crocker (St.John's, NL) to the line for two, both of which she made. However, the REDS could not be stopped, and their lead grew, 65-47 at the end of the third.
The fourth quarter started out with McAffee rushing the Tigers' defense, making it through traffic to get a well-earned layup. The Tigers struggled to get their shots to drop in the fourth quarter, shooting only 35% from the field. With their strong offense, and substantial lead. the REDS were able to clinch the win. The final score was 82-64.
Butts was the top scorer for the visitors, with 20 points and seven rebounds. Followed closely behind was point guard Katie McAffee (Lower Knoxford, NB) who had 13 points, four rebounds, and two assists. McAffee's performance won her the Subway Player of the Game.
The Tigers and the REDS return the court Saturday night with the Tigers holding their annual Shoot for the Cure game. Tipoff is at 6 p.m.