SASKATOON - The No. 4 University of Saskatchewan Huskies women's basketball team handled the No. 6 University of Calgary Dinos Friday night at the PAC by dominating in the paint en route to an 81-64 victory.

Huskies forwards Jana Spindler and Kara Lackie combined for 26 points and 20 rebounds.

BOX SCORE

 “We did a great job of getting rebounds today and that made a big difference,” Huskies head coach Lisa Thomaidis said of her team's ability close the game out. “We have matured quite a bit but we stilled played somewhat sloppy and can play better.”

The Huskies looked strong in the first quarter as they out rebounded the Dinos 7-1. The Huskies were dominant in the paint as Lackie and Spindler had a pair of put backs contributing to a 20-13 lead midway through the quarter. But, strong play from Dinos forward Esther Graff put up a shot in traffic to settle the score at 25-15 after one.

In the second quarter, the Dinos put forth a strong effort as forward Ashley Hill made a nice put back lay-up and followed up with back-to-back three-point shots to bring Calgary to within six of Saskatchewan. But, the Huskies offense remained poised and managed to maintain a ten point margin and head to the locker room leading 40-30.

The third quarter was a one sided affair as Calgary applied consistent pressure that seemed to stun Saskatchewan. Lang made a nice three-point shot midway through the quarter to bring the Dinos within five of the Huskies. Then, in the final minute Hill went up strong on Lackie for a nice lay-up bringing Clagary within one point of the Huskies. 

With momentum and a strong full court press, the Dinos entered the fourth quarter with confidence. But, the Huskies were not finished as they came out and responded on their first two possessions with a three-point shot from forward Amie Lackie and an easy lay-up from forward Janna Spindler to once again take a ten point lead, 63-53. The game remained in Huskie hands as they showed maturity in closing out the Dinos 81-64. 

Scoring leaders for the Dinos included Hill with 21 points and Graff with 12 while leading the Huskies were Spindler with 16 points and 10 rebounds, Kim Tulloch with 15 points and Kara Lackie with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The Dinos will have another shot at the Huskies as they play Saturday night at the PAC. Tip-off is at 5 p.m. MT.

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