CALGARY – In the penultimate game of the regular season, the third-ranked University of Calgary Dinos defeated their crosstown rivals, the Mount Royal Cougars, with a 71-54 score on Thursday night in the Jack Simpson Gym. The Dinos saw their record improve to 17-2, while the Cougars, who hope to clinch the last playoff spot during the weekend, fell to 5-14.
The Dinos fired up the first quarter with a 10-2 run. The Cougars responded by out-rebounding the Dinos 13-11 and matching two three-pointers, but Calgary managed to hold on to a 14-12 lead. In the second quarter, both teams made strong offensive efforts and passed the lead back and forth until Mount Royal managed a 9-3 run and turned the tides. Despite the Dinos leading 6-1 in offensive rebounds, the Cougars dominated 23-17 in points, including four three-pointers and an average 58.3 FG%. Ultimately, Mount Royal finished the half on top with 31-35.
"Mount Royal played really well in the last part of the first period and most of the second," commented Dinos head coach
Damian Jennings. "They put us on our heels and we got out of our rhythm."
The Dinos set the pace in the third quarter with a 13-2 run, including the equalizer shot by fifth year
Erin McIntosh. The Cougars finished the quarter with only nine points, five of which were from free throws, while the Dinos dominated with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Calgary continued to push into the final quarter, earning an 11-1 run, nine rebounds, and a 58.3 field goal percentage. Mount Royal, despite completing the only successful three-pointer, fell short with only four field goals.
"(In the second half), our defensive tenacity in the front court raised its game," reflected Jennings. "We won more rebounds and put more heat in our shots. It was just a series of really simple things done a lot better."
McIntosh led the Dinos offensive front with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and four steals. Alongside her was third year
Liene Stalidzane, who earned 17 points and four rebounds. Spearheading the Cougars was second year Maddison Hooper with 13 points and three three-pointers and fourth year Marnie Garner with 11 points.
Up next, the Dinos and Cougars will re-match in the final game of the regular season. Tipoff is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 8 at 4 p.m. in Calgary Kenyon Court.
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