BRANDON, MB – The Brandon University Bobcats women's basketball team concluded a successful weekend of exhibition action, sweeping a two-game series over the visiting Algoma University Thunderbirds at the Healthy Living Centre.
The Bobcats opened the set with a hard-fought 64-53 victory on Friday before capping the weekend with an emphatic 82-42 triumph on Saturday.
Game 1: Bobcats 64, Thunderbirds 53
In Friday's opener, Brandon weathered an early offensive push from the Thunderbirds to take control over the final 30 minutes. Algoma grabbed a 19-13 lead through the opening frame behind active outside shooting, but the Bobcats responded by tightening up defensively. Brandon carried a narrow 30-29 deficit into the break before taking the lead for good in the third quarter.
Forward Josephine Odude anchored Brandon's frontcourt, pacing the offense with 15 points, six rebounds, and two steals. Amaya McLeod provided a spark on both ends, registering 10 points and six boards, while Abigail Shand, Halle Penner, and Jessie Sumner contributed eight points apiece. Jayna Maytwayashing was active on the glass throughout the night, hauling in a game-high 11 rebounds.
Brandon dominated the glass overall with a 54-46 rebounding edge and converted 17 Algoma turnovers into 16 points. Algoma was led by Justine Pierre, who tallied 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Game 2: Bobcats 82, Thunderbirds 42
The Bobcats left no room for drama in Saturday's rematch, setting the tone with a blistering 29-10 opening quarter and cruising to an 82-42 victory. Brandon's transition offense and perimeter pressure forced seven first-quarter turnovers, enabling the home side to build an early double-digit lead and never look back.
McLeod delivered a standout all-around performance, pouring in a game-high 18 points while collecting five steals, three assists, and two rebounds. Odude posted a dominant double-double with 17 points and 12 boards while shooting 11-of-13 from the charity stripe. Madison Schettler added 10 points off the bench, and Maytwayashing knocked down three triples on the way to nine points and eight rebounds.
The Bobcats controlled the interior from start to finish, pulling down 61 total rebounds to Algoma's 36, including 19 offensive boards that led to 15 second-chance points. Defensively, Brandon held the Thunderbirds to 22.6% shooting from the floor. Algoma's attack was paced by Sadie Grawbarger with nine points, alongside Elia Galdos' 10 rebounds.
