UNB upends SMU 58-42 in women’s basketball

(HALIFAX, NS)—The UNB Varsity Reds defeated the Saint Mary's Huskies 58-42 on Friday evening in Atlantic university sport women's basketball action from the Homburg Centre.

Fredericton native Nicole Esson had a game-high 17 points for UNB in the win.

SMU took an early 14-11 lead after 10 minutes and were unable to keep the Varsity Reds at bay in the second quarter.

The Varsity Reds outscored SMU 21-7 in the frame and took a 32-21 lead at half.

The third quarter saw a 14-9 edge for UNB as they took a 46-30 lead into the fourth quarter.

Both teams scored 12 points apiece in the final frame and UNB took the 58-42 victory.

UNB improves to 4-1 in AUS play and Saint Mary's falls to 2-3.

Esson's 17 points were aided by 3-6 shooting from beyond the three-point line while Emily MacLeod (Fredericton, NB) had 14 points and Laura Kaye (Fredericton, NB) had 10 for UNB.

Jasmine Cain (Halifax, NS) and Kennisha-Shanice Luberisse (Montreal, QC) each had 10 points apiece for the Huskies, while Luberisse pulled down 10 rebounds for a double-double.

Shanieka Wood (Ajax, ON) and Josie Gascoigne (Dartmouth, NS) added seven points each for Saint Mary's.

Both teams conclude their weekend series Saturday afternoon at 4 pm from Halifax.

Dominic Nolasco, SMU Communications

Photo Nick Pearce