Sea-Hawks power past Tigers
The Seea-Hawks powered back from being behind to beat the TIgers 51-49.
ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland and Labrador — Memorial University edged Dalhousie University on Friday, 51-49, overcoming a late four-point deficit with clutch free-throw shooting.
Dalhousie started the first quarter with a balanced approach, focusing on scoring in the paint, evidenced by their six points from close range. Melina Collins contributed with an early assist, setting up Cairo Henning for a 3-pointer to put Dalhousie on the board. Despite some turnovers, the team managed to keep the game within reach through consistent defensive rebounds, totaling nine for the quarter.
Memorial gained an early advantage, building an eight-point lead midway through the quarter. Dalhousie responded with a scoring drive led by Victoria Fournier's layup and Madelyn White's successful free throw, which cut the deficit. As the quarter closed, Dalhousie trailed by four, with the score at 17-13 in favor of the Sea-Hawks.
Dalhousie began the second quarter by overturning a deficit with a quick scoring run, highlighted by Madelyn White's three-pointer at 8:41 and assisted by Henning. This effort helped them secure a brief four-point lead midway through the quarter. Simona Matic contributed with a key three-pointer, extending the lead at 8:25.
Despite Dalhousie's early momentum, the Sea-Hawks responded to regain control. Carly Norris's scoring and assists from Brooke Ledevehat played a role in the Sea-Hawks' comeback, ending the quarter with a narrow lead. Dalhousie concluded the quarter trailing by two, with the score at 29-27.
Dalhousie began the third quarter with a defensive stand, forcing multiple turnovers from the Sea-Hawks, including steals by Collins and Henning. Despite the defensive pressure, Dalhousie struggled offensively, missing several shots, but Collins managed to connect on a 3-pointer at 5:34, narrowing the gap to three points.
Memorial extended their lead through effective play in the paint, highlighted by key baskets from Norris and Serena Phillips. Dalhousie continued to fight back, with White converting a layup at 3:51. However, the Sea-Hawks maintained their advantage by converting free throws late in the quarter.
As the third quarter concluded, Dalhousie trailed Memorial 39–35, having been outscored 10–8 in the quarter. The Sea-Hawks held a narrow lead entering the final quarter.
Dalhousie made a significant push in the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap with a series of crucial plays. White fueled the momentum with a three-pointer at 5:47, assisted by Henning, and Gracie Dalton's layup and subsequent free throw cut the Sea-Hawks' lead to two points with just over two minutes remaining.
Dalhousie's defense forced key turnovers and maintained pressure, allowing the visitors to stay within striking distance. Henning's three-pointer at 0:45 brought Dalhousie within one point, but Memorial responded quickly to extend their lead. Although White closed the gap to one again with a layup at 0:23, the Sea-Hawks held on to secure a narrow 51-49 victory.
Henning posted 12 points, including three 3-pointers, and added five assists with two steals. White led the team with 16 points and collected eight rebounds, while also recording four steals. Collins contributed nine points and secured six rebounds, complementing her performance with two steals. Dalton added five points and collected six offensive rebounds.
The Tigers and Sea-Hawks return to the court on Saturday at 5:30pm AT.