Vikes fade on the road in opener

WINNIPEG 82 UVIC 70

The game seemed there for the taking Thursday but it turned into a mirage for the University of Victoria Vikes. The host Winnipeg Wesmen extended a four-point halftime lead with a decisive 25-12 run in the third quarter.

The Wesmen won 82-70 in the opening game of the best-ofthree Canada West second-round women’s basketball playoff series. Winnipeg had the best record in the Canada West regular season at 18-2, and is ranked No. 6 nationally in U Sports, and it showed.

“We need to realize a game is 40 minutes. They are so explosive that it only takes them a few possessions to blow open a game,” said Vikes coach Dani Sinclair.

UVic had possession to start the second half but quickly turned it over and the charge was on the other way and it didn’t abate in the third quarter.

“I thought that quarter wouldn’t end,” said Sinclair. “We abandoned our game plan and played right into their hands in the third quarter. Once they get going, it’s hard to stop their momentum. Then you spend so much energy trying to get back into the game.”

The Wesmen’s last three wins, including the final two games of the regular season at CARSA gym, have been against UVic.

The Wesmen earned a firstround bye.

The Vikes (12-8 in conference in regular season) are the sixth seed and swept the MacEwan Griffins 2-0 in the opening-round of the playoffs last weekend.

Faith Hezekiah led Winnipeg with 23 points Thursday. Kristy Gallagher scored 20 points for UVic, Amira Giannattasio 18 and Jenna Bugiardini 15.

There is a lot more at stake for the Wesmen than for the Vikes because UVic knows it is guaranteed a host berth in the 2017 U Sports national championship tournament March 9-12 at CARSA gym.

The second game of the series is today and the third game, if necessary, will be played Saturday.