REDS Clinch 1st With Win

(HALIFAX, NS) The UNB REDS clinched first place in the Atlantic University Sport women's basketball standings with a 90-46 win over the Saint Mary's Huskies on Friday in Halifax.

The win pushed UNB's record to 16-2, good for 32 points. It also secured a first-round bye at the AUS championship tournament later this month.

Acadia and STFX are tied for second place with 26 points each and just two games remaining.

"I'm really proud of how our group responded after last weekend," said REDS' head coach Erin McAleenan. "We refocused on who we are and got back to playing with our identity."

"Earning the first-place bye is something this team has emphasized from day one, so it's a meaningful accomplishment and an important step forward," she added.

The REDS led 45-30 at the half and held the Huskies to just seven points in the third quarter and only nine in the fourth.

Ann Bastien led the REDS with 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists.

Maheva Ngassam and Katie Butts had double-doubles with identical stat lines of 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Zoe Olscamp came off the REDS bench to score nine points and grab seven rebounds.

Kalli Georgoulias, off the Huskies bench, led the home team with nine points while starter Lauren Armstrong contributed eight points and five rebounds.

Huskies starters managed just 24 points in total.

Saint Mary's is now 7-10.

The Huskies will host the REDS again on Saturday afternoon. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00pm.

"Our focus is on being ready to play our best basketball come playoffs," said Coach McAleenan.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS

PHOTOS BY: Mona Ghiz/for SMU Athletics