Eagles overcome adversity to hold off Kodiaks 68-63
Eagles overcome adversity to hold off Kodiaks 68-63
The King's University Eagles, who have learned lessons this season about overcoming adversity, held off the host Lethbridge Kodiaks 68-63 on the consolation side of the ACAC Women's Basketball Championships.
Lethbridge defeated the Eagles in their only regular-season meeting, 90-74 on Nov. 18, but the Kodiaks encountered a different team this time around.
"We came off a bunch of injuries," said Eagles head coach Brian Anstice, noting that six-foot-one forward Aneilia Ayotte (second year, Science, St. Albert), who led King's with 22 points, has bounced back from a concussion and an ankle injury to produce a stellar post-season.
Anstice knows something about battling adversity. He and assistant coach Darren Aughtry are both fighting cancer and stand as a ready example to the players.
"Adversity builds your character and I'm getting a chance to see their character today," he said of his players. "I'm really proud of them. They've really stepped it up."
The Eagles forced 29 Lethbridge turnovers which led to 29 King's points.
"It's the old turn and double," Anstice said of his team's defensive strategy which looks to create turnovers.
Megan Aleman (first year, Science, Lethbridge) was named the Eagles' player of the game after scoring 19 points, which included two-for-five shooting from three-point range. Ella Majeau (second year, Social Science, Spruce Grove) chipped in with 12 points.
Kitawna Sparks (first year, Open Studies, Taber) was again the focus of opposition defence but still led the Kodiaks with 15 points on five-for-nine shooting. She also led Lethbridge with nine rebounds.
Courtney Deemter (second year, Nursing Bachelors Degree, Calgary) added 12 points and Annah Westrop (second year, General Studies, Edmonton) had 11. Deemter was the Kodiaks' player of the game.
An opening quarter featuring several lead changes ended in a 17-17 tie, but the Eagles pulled to a 38-25 advantage at halftime. The Kodiaks made several comeback runs in the second half and were within four points, 42-38, with less than six minutes to play in the third quarter. King's promptly ran the lead back to 10 points and went into the final period leading 54-45.
Lethbridge battled back again, narrowing the margin to 54-51 with 7:40 remaining when Matlin Jacobs stepped to the foul line with the Eagles already in the bonus and sank two free throws. The Eagles again answered the challenge, and when Aleman made a steal and layup with under four minutes left, it was 64-54 for King's.
The Kodiaks wouldn't quit, however, fighting back to within five points before time ran out on them.
Player of the Game:
Kodiaks: #9 Courtney Deemter
Eagles: #13 Megan Aleman