by Bill McLean
After nearly going from worst to first in 2010, Scott Munro and his Saint Mary’s Huskies were expected to be one of the top contenders in the AUS women’s basketball conference this season. So far the campaign has been a struggle for the Huskies, even with the nation’s leading scorer, Justine Colley, averaging 24 ppg.
Anna Stammberger’s Dalhousie Tigers were expected to suffer through a rebuilding year after losing five stellar seniors from last season but the Tigers have won two games in a row and are on the cusp of getting into the mix for a playoff spot.
The seventh place Tigers and fifth place Huskies will renew acquaintances tonight at the Tower at 6:00 Atlantic. The game will be webcast on www.live.haligonia.ca.
The Huskies defeated the Tigers 77-75 at the Tower in late November in a thriller which featured a huge Tigers comeback and a game winning shot in the dying seconds by Colley. (Watch replay of game here http://live.haligonia.ca/halifax-ns/sports/173-sports-video/17263-replay-smu-huskies-basketball-november-23-2010.html). Colley finished with 25 points and Robbi Daley added 21 points on five three pointers.
Both teams are coming off close victories over UPEI in Charlottetown versus the rebuilding Panthers. The Huskies last loss was an 84-59 thumping at the hands of the UNB Varsity Reds last Friday in Fredericton. The Tigers are riding a wave of confidence after getting their signature win of the season last weekend over the Cape Breton Capers at Dalplex.
The Huskies will need another commanding performance from the dynamic duo of Colley and Susanne Canvin ( 11 ppg, 12 rpg) if they are going to hold off the Tigers. Meanwhile the Tigers will be looking for balanced scoring from a group of starters that have been all averaging double figures the last three games.
Mavs Gillis will have the call from the Tower.
Record- 3 Wins, 5 Losses – 10 points
Last Game- 80-70 Win over UPEI
Tigers To Watch
Patricia McNeil – Second year guard averaging 12.5 ppg. Averaged 18 points in last 3 games.
Anna Von Maltzahn – Second year swing player averaging 11 ppg and 6 rpg. Versatile performer, plays the top of the Tigers 3-2 zone.
Courtney Thompson– Sparkplug first year guard averaging 12 ppg. Excels in the open court and getting to the basket.
Record- 5 Wins, 6 Losses – 14 points
Last Game- 76-70 Win over UPEI
Huskies to Watch
Justine Colley– Nation’s leading scorer with 24 ppg.
Susanne Canvin – Ms. Double Double averaging 11 points and 12 rebounds a game.
Robbi Daley- Three point specialist may be the X Factor in tonight’s game. Her ability to hit the three vs. The Tiger zone will be a huge factor in determining the outcome.
Huskies Notes
Huskies are 2-5 in their last seven games….Huskies signature win was a 93-90 win in Sydney over the Cape Breton Capers in October….lack of depth has been a serious issue for the Huskies with not one bench player averaging over three points per game…..with a win the Huskies will move into a three way tie for third with Saint Francis Xavier and Memorial…..the Huskies will be looking to get on a hot streak with four home games in the next 8 days…..the Huskies are second in the conference in free throw percentage averaging 75 % on the season and second in field goal percentage averaging 41 %.
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