Capers top Varsity Reds 56-52 to advance to Subway AUS Women’s Basketball Championship final

(HALIFAX, N.S.) – The Cape Breton Capers and the UNB Varsity Reds faced off in the second of two women's semi-final matchups for the Subway AUS Basketball Championships Saturday afternoon at Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, N.S.

The Capers earned a 56-52 win to advance to Sunday's finals.

AUS Most Valuable Player and first team all-star, Alison Keough (Marion Bridge, N.S.) recorded 13 points for the Capers in their victory, adding nine rebounds, one assist, one steal and two blocks.

The Capers started the game shooting well, picking up a quick 9-2 lead throughout the first four minutes.

UNB closed the gap late in the quarter, forcing the Capers into a few turnovers with their full-court pressure.

Cape Breton managed to hold their lead after 10 minutes, to head into the second quarter with a 15-12 edge.

Jalynn Skeir (Halifax, N.S.) and Keough led Cape Breton with five points each on 4-5 combined shooting from the field.

UNB's 12 points were scored by six different players, including all five starters and Eva Tumwine (Fredericton, N.B.) off the bench.

The Varsity Reds aimed for a comeback throughout the second, outscoring the Capers 15-8 to hold a 27-23 lead at the half. Nicole Lafleur (Fredericton, N.B.) led the Varsity Reds throughout the second frame, scoring five points.

The third quarter saw back-and-forth action from both squads. A big three pointer from Laura Kaye (Fredericton, N.B.) with over four minutes remaining in the third gave the Varsity Reds the go-ahead point to lead 34-33.

The Varsity Reds were unable to keep their lead, as the Capers tied it at 40-40 heading into the final frame.

With under six minutes remaining in regulation, a huge three-pointer from Cape Breton's Skeir allowed the Capers to take a five-point lead. Cape Breton continued to pull away, holding a 51-44 edge with four minutes left on the clock.

With a foul called against Cape Breton's Valentia Primossi (Trieste, Italy), Grace Wade (Moncton, N.B.) headed to the line for the Varsity Reds. With Wade making one of her two free throws, UNB sat three points behind Cape Breton with 26 seconds remaining.

The Capers held on to earn the 56-52 victory.

The Subway Player of the Game was awarded to Cape Breton's Keough, while AUS Second team all-star Hannah Currie (Collingwood, Ont.) earned the honour for UNB. Currie recorded 13 points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.

AUS Defensive Player of the Year Katelyn Mangold (Peterborough, Ont.) earned the Wilson's Security Defensive Player of the Game award for the Varsity Reds, while AUS second team all-star Colleen Keane earned the honour for the Capers. Mangold recorded two points, seven rebounds, one steal and one block, while Keane recorded 10 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals.

The Capers now advance to the Subway AUS Women's Basketball Championships final where they will face the Acadia Axewomen Sunday at 1 p.m.