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Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference "To be Canada's premiere collegiate athletic conference by developing and inspiring leadership through excellence in academics, sport and citizenship"
Posted: Feb 10, 2023

Clippers Outlast Keyano in Exciting Match

Box Score
Game Leaders
KC
Pts: Jaylynn Twin - 12
Reb: Maja Besic - 15
Ast: Joy Victor - 4
BC
Pts: Brooklyn Martens - 19
Reb: Amber Fichtner - 12
Ast: Dori Sunderland - 6
Team Stats
Full stats

by Jeff Misener

The Briercrest Clippers women's basketball team (11-7, 4th in South Division), winners of six straight, suited up for a cross-division game against the Keyano College Huskies (10-6, 3rd in North Division). The game would serve as an excellent litmus test for both teams and carried special importance for the host squad, who were eager to host a home playoff game.

Clipper guard Melissa Ellis opened the scoring with a bold drive to the rim, and her teammates followed suit, converting their free throws when fouled. Briercrest enjoyed success from beyond the arc thanks to Eve Duerksen and Maddison Beattie, and the Clippers' stifling defense held Keyano to a single basket as they built a 20-4 lead.

A three from Keyano guard Zera Panesa, followed by an offensive putback by Maja Besic, launched a very different narrative for the visiting team in the second period. Keyano's transition to a taller lineup proved successful as they began to dominate battles for offensive rebounds and force more turnovers. Although the Clippers saw fewer offensive chances compared to the first quarter, they enjoyed a 32-22 halftime edge.

The teams traded early chances in the third quarter, with Briercrest attacking the rim and Keyano connecting from long range. Briercrest forward Brooklyn Martens and Besic traded inside hoops before Sunderland slashed through the Huskies' defense and converted a threepoint opportunity. Sunderland's fingerprints were all over the action, and Briercrest followed her leadership to a 54-43 advantage.

Keyano converted their opening shots of the final frame to cut into the Clippers' lead. Stalwart interior defense from Martens and Amber Fichtner limited the inside damage of Huskies' forwards Joy Victor and Jaylynn Twin. Martens continued to assault the paint, as did Keyano's Besic. Huskies' guard Casey Gorieu traded three-point opportunities with Martens. A late three from Panesa, and trapping defense from the Huskies, heightened the drama of the waning seconds, but Briercrest weathered the storm, securing a well-earned 66-61 victory.

Keyano's Player of the Game was Jaylynn Twin, with 12 points and six rebounds. Maja Besic recorded a double-double (10 points, 15 rebounds) as Keyano had five players score in double digits. For Briercrest, Dori Sunderland notched 14 points and six dimes to collect the award. Brooklyn Martens led all scorers with 19, while Melissa Ellis added 12.