Quick start helps Gryphon hoops women defeat UNBC

WATERLOO – The Guelph Gryphons rode a strong first half to a 65-51 victory over the UNBC Thunderwolves at the Naismith preseason university women’s basketball tournament Friday.

The Gryphs were ahead by six points after 65 seconds of play and they led 23-17 at the end of the opening quarter and 36-26 at halftime. Guelph extended its lead to 51-36 by the end of the third quarter.

Renee Armstrong hit for 14 points and also had 14 rebounds, five assists and two steals for the Gryphs while Mackeely Shantz had 13 points and six rebounds and Julia Colavecchia added 11 points. Marielle Klueskens also had two steals.

Sarah Kuklisin had 13 points for UNBC while Alina Shakirova had 11 points. Cevanna Carlson and Laura Garmendia Garcia each had eight rebounds while Jenna Korolek had four steals.

The Gryphs shot 32 percent on field goals, 19 percent on three-pointers and 54 percent on free throws while also hauling down 46 rebounds and getting four blocks and eight steals. They had 17 points off turnovers, 12 on second chances and 16 from their bench.

The Thunderwolves shot 30 percent on field goals, 17 percent on three-pointers and sank all eight of their foul shots. They grabbed 34 rebounds, had two blocks and 13 steals and scored 13 points off turnovers and four on second chances while getting 19 from their bench.

The win leaves the Gryphs with a win and a loss at the tournament and in their preseason.

The Gryphs are to play the Waterloo Warriors at the tournament Saturday night.

• Guelph Sports Journal