Mystics triumph over Seawolves 76 – 71

(Halifax, NS) The Mount Saint Vincent Mystics defeated the UNBSJ Seawolves 76 – 71 at the A. Garnet Memorial Gymnasium.

Marley Curwin (Halifax, NS) had a well-rounded performance today for the Mystics, finishing with a team-high 15 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds and 4 steals. Victoria Strickland (St. John's, NL) aided the attack, finishing with 13 points and 4 rebounds. Amanda Pearcey (Torbay, NL) helped out with 9 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.

Laura Prekaj (Mississauga, ON) led the Seawolves attack in defeat as she had a double-double performance. She finished with a game-high 24 points, and 12 rebounds. Bailey Henderson (Miramichi, NB) chipped in with 14 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Avrey Alward (Saint John, NB) rounded out the Seawolves offensive production with 10 points and 7 rebounds.

The Seawolves controlled the offensive glass in the first quarter with a 7-3 offensive rebound advantage over the Mystics. Laura Prekaj had four offensive rebounds in the quarter. The teams battled back and forth, but the Mystics utilized the three-point shot to their advantage making three to the Seawolves none. The Mystics held a narrow 16 – 15 lead after the first quarter.

The Mystics ramped up their play in the second quarter, highlighted by a layup by Ashleigh Marshall (Fall River, NS) that was assisted by Curwin. The Mystics extended their lead thanks to a few highlighted plays. Marshall connected from range off of drive and kick assist from Taya Straker (Yellowknife, NT). The Mystics capped off the quarter with a layup from Straker that was assisted by Curwin. The Mystics took the halftime lead with a score of 36 – 28.

The Seawolves came out to start the third quarter with an intense defensive run, highlighted by a steal by Llorena Prekaj (Mississauga, ON), leading to her finishing a fast break lay-up that tied the game up at 41, which caused the Mystics to call a timeout. The Mystics responded to the Seawolves run, thanks to consecutive plays to end the quarter by Emma Garagan (Halifax, NS). She drove to the hoop for a contested lay-up and followed it up in the next possession with a deep three. The Mystics took the lead into the fourth quarter, up 54 – 48.

In a tightly contested matchup, both teams were looking to close out the game. It was the Seawolves who struck first as Laura Prekaj drove strong to the basket, for the and-1 finish. The Seawolves continued to add pressure throughout the quarter, as Kate Griffin (Quispamsis, NB) made a transition lay-up and Laura Prekaj would hit consecutive threes to tie the game back up at 60 – 60. The Mystics looked to counter the Seawolves attack in the quarter, with a made three by Strickland that was assisted by Curwin. This game went down to the wire as both teams were looking for the important early season victory. Curwin hit a three-pointer to give the Mystics a three-point lead, and then Laura Prekaj countered with a driving layup to make it a one-point game with under 3 minutes to play. The Mystics had a vital defensive stop, where they forced the Seawolves into a 24-second violation. This led to a Strickland three that gave the Mystics a four-point lead. The Seawolves responded with a driving lay-up by Llorena Prekaj, which drew the foul from the Mystics. This play cut the lead to one point for the Mystics, with under 15 seconds remaining. The Seawolves looked to send the game to the free throw line in hopes to gaining a chance to tie or win the game, but the Mystics were able to knock down their free throws. The game was settled when Curwin stole the ball from the Seawolves and knocked down both of her free throws. The Mystics won the game 76 – 71.

The Mystics are now 4-1 and the Seawolves are now 0-5. The Mystics return to the court next Saturday at 4:00pm when they host the Holland Hurricanes in Halifax. The Seawolves travel to the University of King's College when they battle with the Blue Devils at 2:00pm.