Second half surges pushes Axewomen past X-Women
Axewomen capitalize on second half surge to push past X-Women 63–58
WOLFVILLE, N.S. — A strong second-half surge pushed the Acadia Axewomen past the STFX X-Women, 63–58, in AUS women's basketball action Friday night at Stu Aberdeen Court.
It marked the first loss of the season for the X-Women, who had got out to a 5-0 start to the season.
Samantha Russell led all scorers with 22 points and dominated the glass with 11 rebounds for a double-double, while Bianca Helmig added 15 points, eight assists, and five steals in a complete performance for Acadia.
The Axewomen shot an efficient 47.4% from three-point range and went 16-for-21 from the free-throw line, including a perfect 7-for-7 in the fourth quarter to close out the win.
STFX held a four-point lead at halftime after outscoring Acadia 24–16 in the second quarter, but momentum swung in the third. The Axewomen opened the half with an 11–2 run, capitalizing on X turnovers and converting from long range. Acadia's defence forced 23 StFX turnovers on the night, turning them into 20 points.
The X-Women were paced by Kristine Cooper and Mali Straker, who each finished with 12 points. Shannon Neita anchored the interior with nine rebounds and eight points, while Abby Mercer was strong off the bench with nine boards and four points.
STFX held a 26–20 edge in paint points, but struggled from the perimeter, shooting 6-for-30 from three.
Clinging to a 59–58 lead in the final minute, Russell knocked down a pair of free throws before Helmig's late steal sealed the victory.
STFX returns to action on Friday, November 14th when they will host Cape Breton in a 6:00 pm tip-off at home on Coach K Court.
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