Queen's vs. Toronto January 4, 2008

Gaels Downed by Toronto 74-65
By Queen's Sports Information

The Queen's Golden Gaels dropped a 74-65 decision to the visiting Toronto Varsity Blues Friday night in Kingston. The Gaels fell behind by as many as 13 in the first quarter and were unable to come back the rest of the game.

Toronto, behind a 23-11 rebounding advantage, took control of the game right from the opening tip. Queen's outscored the Blues 15-10 in the second quarter to close to within four at halftime 32-28.

The Gaels opened the second half with five straight points in the first minute to take their first lead 33-32. Toronto forward Christine Cho of Lithia Springs, GA hit a three pointer in between baskets by Alaine Hutton of Hamilton and Jessica Hiew of Canberra, Australia to put the visitors up 43-36 midway through the quarter. The Blues built the lead to 16 with 1:40 left in the third and went into the fourth ahead 58-45.

The Gaels opened the final quarter like the third with a five point run which closed them to within eight. After Anne Murphy of Milford, Ont. hit a layup with 4:18 left in the game pulling Queen's within five, at 63-58.

The Blues, like they did all second half, had an answer for the Gaels run with a Cho three point shot and a free throw to build their lead back up to nine. The Gaels would never threaten again as they fell to 3-7 in OUA play.

Toronto, now 8-3 in the OUA East were led by Cho and Hutton who both had 18 points, with Cho good on eight of 11 from the floor. Cho added nine rebounds with teammate Amanda Van Leeuwen grabbing a game high 12 as the Blues outrebounded Queen's 38-24 for the game.

Leading the Gaels was Sarah Barnes who had a game high 25 points on 10 for 19 shooting including five for seven from behind the three point line. Anne Murphy added 12 points for Queen's but shot just six for 15 from the floor as the Tricolour shot 38.9% for the game. The Gaels are back in the Bartlett Gym tomorrow night January 5th at 6pm when they host the Ryerson Rams who won their first OUA game of the season 68-49 at RMC Friday night.