V-Reds down Laval 83-79 in exhibition action

(FREDERICTON, N.B.) - The University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds defeated the Laval Rouge et Or 83-79 Sunday at the Accreon Helen Campbell basketball tournament.

This was the UNB women's third game in the tournament. Having lost both previous games, the UNB women were eager for victory.

The action commenced at a brisk pace. Both teams exchanged baskets early. Strong free throw shooting from UNB got the Varsity Reds out front 24-17.

Laval clawed back in the second quarter. Staying out of foul trouble, the Rouge et Or added 22 points to finish the half with a 39-38 lead.

As the second half began, solid shooting from Laval guard Catherine Paquet mixed with stalwart rebounding from Justine Bilodeau pushed the Rogue et Orange to a 56-51 lead.

The fourth quarter brought foul troubles for Laval. Committing 11 fouls in the first half, the number leaped up to 17 in the second. The Varsity Reds took advantage. Forward Claire Colborne netted six of 12 free throws to add to her tally of 20 on the night.

The Varsity Reds were able to tie the game and force an overtime period.

An intense five-minute period saw more back-to-back play with Colborne scoring an early jump shot to put the Reds ahead. Laval's Paquet answered back with a jump shot of her own. The teams each shot back-to-back threes pushing the game to a 77-77 tie. In the end, it was free throws from UNB's Awo Farah that put the game out of reach.

Player of the game for UNB was Claire Colborne with 20 points and seven rebounds.

Next, the Varsity Red's will travel to the University of Alberta as part of a pre-season tournament from October 18 to 20.

The all-stars of the tournament were: Robbie Daley from Dalhousie, Nicole Clark and Charlotte Kot from Regina, Gabrielle Girard from Laval and Claire Colbourne from UNB.

Source: UNB Sport Information