REDS Steal Win From Panthers
(CHARLOTTETOWN, PE) The UNB REDS scored five points over the final 29 seconds of the fourth quarter to steal a 78-77 win over the UPEI Panthers in Atlantic University Sport women's basketball action, Saturday afternoon in Charlottetown.
Trailing 77-73 with less than 30 seconds to play veteran guard Katie McAffee sunk a three-point bomb to pull the REDS to within one.
After a Kylee Speedy steal, and with just 12 seconds left on the clock, Ann Bastien laid in two points to give UNB the lead.
The Panthers could not score again before time expired and UNB won their eighth straight.
"To hit a big time shot, grab a steal off our pressure, and then go get the winning bucket takes experience, confidence, and trust," said REDS' head coach Erin McAleenan. "I'm very proud of our team to be able to steal that one on the road."
Among the highlights for the REDS was Katie Butts becoming the program's new regular season career rebounds leader.
Early in the second quarter, Butts pulled down a defensive rebound after a failed Panthers scoring attempt. It was her third rebound of the game and the 730th of her career, moving her one ahead of former record holder Kara Palmer who amassed 729 between 1988 and 1993.
"It means a lot, especially doing it in a win like this afternoon," said a humble Butts. "A rebound is a rebound to me. Either way, offensive or defensive, I'm helping my team and contributing."
Butts finished the afternoon with 10 rebounds, giving her 737 for her career, 14 points and three assists.
"Katie has earned her mark as the leading rebounder in UNB women's basketball history," said Coach McAleenan. "The commitment and dedication she's shown over her career has been nothing short of remarkable. Katie has dominated on the boards at both ends of the floor over her career, so it's fitting that she has taken over the record."
Speedy contributed 13 points and dished out six assists while McAffee and Maheva Ngassam each dropped 12 points. Clancy MacIntyre came off the REDS bench to score eight points and grab seven rebounds.
Grace Lancaster led the Panthers with a game-high 23 points while Devon Lawlor scored 17.
The REDS trailed 37-36 at the half and 61-55 after three quarters. In the decisive fourth, they outscored the Panthers 23-16.
UNB remains first in the AUS standings with a 14-1 record. UPEI is now 9-5.
"We fought so hard as a team to come back and win," said Butts. "Shoutout to the bench energy and those on the floor who played with confidence in those last few crucial minutes. We're very lucky to have such a great team that can fight back in moments like that. Moving forward, we're happy to have the win and the experience of playing in a close game and closing it out. We know that come playoffs no game will be easy, so this was great experience and a teaching moment for us."
The REDS return to home court next Saturday when they host the Dalhousie Tigers. Game time is 6:00pm. The Panthers visit Saint Mary's on Friday.
STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS
PHOTOS BY: Janessa Vanden Broek/for UPEI Athletics