X-Women fall to Reds in first game of 2020

FREDERICTON, NB - The UNB Reds used a balanced attack to beat the StFX X-Women 73-61 on Saturday, a four-point match and the first game of the second half of the 2019-20 Atlantic University Sport season for both teams.

Krystal Osburn (Nottawa, ON) led the Reds, scoring 14 points to earn Subway Player of the Game honours.

"It's definitely one of the better ones, over the years," said Osburn, of her scoring night. "I see more potential, and my coaches and my teammates see more potential in me, so I just hope I can keep making them proud."

Briar MacDonald (Antigonish, NS) led the X-Women with 15 points.

The first quarter saw some feeling out for both teams, and the sides, for the most part, traded opportunities.

UNB did pull out to an 18-12 lead after 10 minutes.

The Reds opened the second quarter with an 8-0 run, pushing their lead to 26-12.

Osburn drained a jumper as time expired in the first half, giving the Reds a 36-26 lead at the break.

The fourth year Red then led UNB through the third quarter, scoring eight of her 14 points as UNB extended their lead to 60-45 after 30 minutes.

The X-Women showed some grit in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Reds 16-13, but it was too little, too late, and UNB won 73-61.

"It was nice to get the home court win and start the new year off on a good note," said Osburn.

Grace Simpson (Fredericton, NB) had a double-double for the Reds, scoring 10 points and grabbing a game-high 12 rebounds. Mikaela Dodig (Bolton, ON) added 12 points for UNB.

Karina Sarai (Surrey, BC) scored 12 points for the X-Women, while X's short bench, just three reserves, scored only seven points.

"We had some difficulty handling their pressure," said X-Women head coach Lee Anna Osei. "We have a lot of youth on the floor and this is one of the grittiest leagues. It is a game of physicality and that's where we were outmatched and where the jump happened."

While UNB gave up some height to the X-Women, the Reds out-rebounded their opponents and took advantage of turnovers.

"We gave up 24 points on 26 turnovers and that really hurt us," said Osei.

The X-Women, now 1-and-7, have a short turnaround. They host the DAL Tigers on Wednesday.

The Reds, now 3-and-5, welcome the Cape Breton Capers to the Currie Center for a two-game series next weekend. UNB and the Capers tangle Saturday, at 6:00pm, and Sunday, at 2:00pm.

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Recap courtesy Andy Campbell, UNB Athletics