The Carleton women’s basketball team defeated their rivals the University of Ottawa Gee Gees 84-60 at the U Sports National Championship semi-finals March 16 in a redemption match for the Ravens, who lost to the Gee Gee’s in the OUA Critelli Cup Final 70-61. That was Carleton’s first loss since pre-season, which included two wins over their Ottawa rivals.
Carleton came out strong with a full court press and forced 11 turnovers from Ottawa. They continued to play a high intensity game with at least 19 points coming out of fast breaks.
The Ravens were comfortably up 46-19 at halftime, but uOttawa were not done fighting. They came back strong in the third quarter and hit six three-points shots, closing the gap to 59-45. Bailey Russell ended the quarter with 11 points for uOttawa, hitting all three of her three-point attempts.
However, it wasn’t enough to take down Carleton, who finished strong and held onto their lead.
Teresa Donato, who continues her streak of being Carleton’s highest scorer, finished the match with 17 points. Tatyana Burke closely followed with 16 points and was awarded Player of the Game.
Natsuki Szczokin was uOttawa’s Player of the Game and finished the game with 12 points and five assists.
The Ravens are looking to defend their national title against the University of Saskatchewan Huskies who came into the tournament as the number one ranked team. They beat the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, who were ranked number four, in the other semi-final, 85-63.
The Gee Gee’s will take on the Thunderbirds in the bronze medal match on March 16 at 3 p.m. ET at the UBC War Memorial Gym.
The final will be played at the Dough Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre also on March 16 at 7 p.m. ET and can be watched on CBC Sports.
