CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos women's basketball team tied the game three times in the second half but could not get past the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, falling 66-59 in a Canada West season opener for both teams Friday at Jack Simpson Gym.
The Dinos unveiled their Canada West championship banner before the game, then hosted the Huskies in a rematch of last year's Canada West semifinal. The Dinos went on to beat UBC 63-57 in the final to capture their first title since 2000-01, in head coach
Sarah Besselink's first full season.
The loss leaves Calgary at 0-1, while Saskatchewan starts 1-0.
Maya Charles made a strong Dinos debut, scoring 11 points off the bench on 5-of-6 shooting. Two of her jumpers came during a first-quarter run that put Calgary in front.
"Representing the U of C badge for the first time was amazing," Charles said. "I get to play with supportive and hardworking teammates, and I'm grateful for my coach, Sarah. The team culture has been competitive and encouraging, and that really built us up heading into tonight's game."
Basketball runs in her family, and the game marked a homecoming of sorts for Charles.
"My dad played basketball, so I'm following in his footsteps," Charles said. "I played at Jack Simpson with Team Ontario, so stepping back onto what's now my home court is special. I'm thrilled to be back."
Calgary closed the first quarter on an 8-0 run to take a 20-16 lead. The second quarter was a cold stretch for the Dinos, who scored six points while Saskatchewan built a 31-26 halftime lead.
Christine Geraldo scored nine of her 12 points in the third quarter, including a three-pointer that tied the game 37-37. A
Milica Gajic jumper made it 39-39 midway through the period. The Huskies answered with an 8-0 run, but the Dinos closed the quarter on a 6-0 run of their own to trail 47-45 heading into the fourth.
Charles opened the final quarter with a three-point play, and a
Kourtney Oss layup tied the game 50-50 with 8:54 remaining. Saskatchewan then went on a 14-2 run, powered by Logan Reider, to stretch its lead to 12 points. Geraldo hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to set the final margin.
Gajic led Calgary with 13 points and 4 assists, while Geraldo added 12. Oss grabbed 15 rebounds as the Dinos outrebounded Saskatchewan 46-39.
Reider led all scorers with 24 points for the Huskies. Maya Flindall added 20 points and 8 steals.
The Dinos will return to action Saturday, Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. when they host the Huskies at Jack Simpson Gymnasium. Tickets are available at GoDinos.com/Tickets.
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