Monday, February 13, 2017

Women's Basketball - Game Report

Hi Folks,

For the first time this season, I have to report a loss, as Carleton beat us 52-60.  I am pleased to report, however, that we bounced back the next night to beat Ottawa 55-44.  We had climbed to #3 in the country, although the loss this weekend will set us back – Carleton came in ranked #5.  We do maintain our #1 ranking in Ontario – Carleton lost early in the season to Algoma, adversely affecting their RPI (Ratings Percentage Index), which is what is used to produce our Provincial playoff rankings.  (See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rating_Percentage_Index for more info)

Queen’s 52 – Carleton 60
This was the tough, physical battle we’ve come to expect from a very talented and very tall Carleton team.  Our defense was quite solid to start the game, and we shot a reasonable percentage, however, it was our turnovers that was the problem.  We committed 9 turnovers in the opening frame and trailed 12-13.  In the second quarter we did a better job of taking care of the ball, but our shooting percentage dropped to 33%.  Carleton outscored us 11-14 to take a 23-27 lead into half time.  At this point, shooting percentages were almost identical across the board (2’s, 3’s, foul shots).  In the third quarter, our shooting percentage improved (43%) and we held Carleton to just 25%, however they were able to connect on 3 of 7 from 3pt. range.  We outscored them 17-12 to take a 1 point lead heading into the fourth.  Our shooting percentage deserted us in the fourth connecting on only 4 of 21 shots, including only 1 of 6 from beyond the arc.  We trailed by 4 with just over a minute remaining – intentionally fouling did not help, as Carleton converted their free throws to finish up 8, 52-60.  We actually beat Carleton in virtually every statistical category (rebounding, turnovers, steals), just not shooting percentage 32% to 37%.  Emily Hazlett finished with 16 points and 4 steals, while Marianne Alarie added 11 points and 2 steals.

Q’s SID Report: http://gogaelsgo.com/news/2017/2/10/WBBvCarleton.aspx?path=wbball

Queen’s 55 – Ottawa 44
Like Carleton, Ottawa is a very tough team to score against – very physical and well disciplined in their rotations.  Our pressure defense and transition quickness allowed us to get a couple of early run-out hoops (the likes of which we would not see again).  We led 14-9 after the first.  The second quarter, we started to pull away, but Ottawa stormed back to keep it a 5-point game.  We each scored 16 in the quarter.  Again, in the third, we started to pull away, but Ottawa battled back, each of us managing only 12 in the quarter.  We led 42-37 after three.  The game remained at a 5 or 7-point spread through the first 7 minutes of the quarter, until Bridget Mulholland hit back to back 3s to break open the game.  Our defense held and we outscored Ottawa 13-7 in the final frame, for the 55-44 win.  Marianne Alarie led the way with 14 points, 6 boards and 3 steals, while Andrea Priamo added 12 points and 9 rebounds.  Bridget Mulholland scored all of her 11 points in the second half (7 in the fourth quarter).

Q’s SID Report: http://gogaelsgo.com/news/2017/2/11/wbb_Ottawa.aspx?path=wbball

Up Next at Home:
Friday, February 17 vs. York (Graduating Athlete’s Night) (Gemma Bullard, Emily Hazlett, Robyn Pearson)

A look ahead:
We know that we will finish in the top 3 of the province, and therefore receive a bye in the first round of the playoffs (set for Wednesday, February 22nd).  We will play at home on Saturday, February 25th at 6pm, opponent to be determined.  If we take care of business against York on Friday, we will finish 1st in the Province and have home court throughout the playoffs.

Have a great week!

Dave.