BOX SCORE

ABBOTSFORD, B.C. - The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades put up an impressive defensive performance in the second half, holding the Calgary Dinos to just 14 points after halftime to take a 63-43 Game 1 win in the teams' best-of-three Canada West quarterfinal series Thursday night.

The Dinos came out strong and opened by scoring the first seven points of the game, UFV scored its first ever home playoff points off a pair of free throws from Tessa Klassen and went on a six point run to climb back into the game. The Dinos would respond by going on another six point run to lead by seven points after the first quarter.  The Cascades defense kicked in starting with the second quarter and held Calgary to 24 points the rest of the way.  The offense started to click as well and the Cascades went into the intermission up by three points and a three point basket by Aieisha Luyken at the buzzer.  

The second half belonged to the home team as they held Calgary to 14 second half points and outscored their visitors by 17 points. The Cascade defense shut down Calgary's high powered offense and prevented the Dinos from the fast break offense that was successful for them in the first quarter.  UFV shot 37 percent from the floor in the second half and converted 11 of 12 free throws to earn their first home victory.                  

The Cascades were led by Klassen, with a team high 13 points. Luyken added 12 and Sarah Wierks 10 points.  Sarah Wierks and Courtney Bartel each pulled down a team high 6 rebounds, as UFV out rebounded Calgary 39 to 36 for the game.

The Dinos were led by Jenna Kaye with a game-high 16-point performance.  Jessica Franz added 14 points.  Franz and Kaye led Calgary with 7 rebounds each.

Game 2 of the best-of-three series goes Friday night at the Envision Athletic Centre, with tip-off at 7 p.m. MT. CanadaWest.tv will have live coverage.

The Dinos host the 2012 CIS Women's Basketball Final 8 March 17-19 in the Jack Simpson Gym.

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