BRANDON, Man. – The Alberta Pandas picked up the weekend sweep thanks to a 82-63 win over the host Brandon Bobcats Saturday night.
The Pandas jumped to a 10-0 lead to start the game, holding the Bobcats off the scoreboard until Josie Degagne hit a three after the mid-point of the opening frame. Alberta didn't look back from there, showing their size, strength and experience to pick up the win.
Brandon managed to outscore the Pandas in the fourth quarter but it wasn't enough as Alberta improved to 12-2 in conference play.
Four Pandas finished in double-digit scoring, led by third-year guard Emma Kary's game-high 22 points. Kary was quick to give credit to hear team's effort in chasing rebounds.
"I think just running the floor and really getting to those offensive boards and crashing really hard, that gives you a controllable thing that you can really work on. It gave us lots of energy that way," Kary said following the game.
Saturday's performance extends Alberta's win streak to 10 games, which Kary credits to the team's cohesiveness.
"We've been building connectivity and just staying together as a team. We've been working really hard on our defence and things are just working for us. We're getting a lot better so it's just good to see us moving forward."
Vanessa Wild had 13 points for the Pandas while Jenna Harpe and Lauren Earl both finished with 11 points.
Four Bobcats finished in double figures a well, led by Degagne's team-high 16 points. Lauren Anderson wasn't far behind with 13 points while Chelsea Misskey and rookie Laney Harder each put up 11 points.
While not happy to come away with a loss, Bobcats head coach Novell Thomas did find some positives in his team's performance.
"To escape the half being down 10 against a very strong team and us not playing that well at that point was commendable," says Thomas. "Slowly we got some energy plays from Laney and Chelsea and those energy plays make a difference and kind of inspire play at the other end."
The loss drops Brandon's record to 2-12 who now gets set welcome the UBC Thunderbirds for rare day-time games next Friday.
The Pandas head home to welcome the UNBC Timberwolves for a weekend series with games coming on Friday and Saturday evening.
