(HALIFAX, N.S.) – The Memorial Sea-Hawks (5th) have defeated the UNB Reds (4th) 79-70 in the first women's quarterfinal matchup at the Subway AUS Basketball Championships.
Memorial was led by AUS first team all-star, Sydney Stewart, who had a game-high 32 points (on 13-28 shooting) and eight rebounds, and second team all-star, Sydney Ezekiel, who had 23 points and five rebounds.
The first half was a tightly-contested defensive affair as both teams were held under 33% from the field.
The Sea-Hawks were able to pull ahead just before halftime taking a 32-28 lead into the break.
UNB was led at the half by all-rookie team member Katie Daley's eight points (2-2 from three-point range), three rebounds and two assists.
Memorial's first half was led by Ezekiel's 14 points and three rebounds.
Memorial started the second half on an 8-2 run, pushing their lead to ten early in the third quarter.
Stewart started to take over in the third quarter, scoring 11 in the frame.
Heading into the fourth quarter the Reds trailed by nine, 56-47 but cut that to just four in just 60 seconds thanks to AUS second team all-star, Mikaela Dodig.
However, the Sea-Hawks weathered the storm and put together a rally of their own midway through the fourth quarter, pushing their lead back to double-digits and securing their berth in Saturday's semifinals.
Subway Player of the Game was Stewart for the Sea-Hawks.
Memorial moves on to play the top-ranked Cape Breton Capers tomorrow in the first women's semifinal at 1 p.m. at the Scotiabank Centre.