Queen's vs. UPEI October 21, 2007

Gaels 57, UPEI 57
By Dave Wilson

At this point you are probably wondering about the misprint in the score listed above - no misprint. Another first for my 27 years of coaching - a tie ball game. Given the tie at the end of regulation play and the time we had to catch our flight in Halifax, we could not stay any longer in Truro to play overtime. Many thanks to UPEI Coach MacNeill and his team for their flexibility in allowing us to start the noon game a few minutes early, and shorten the half-time - we had not counted on overtime.

As for the ball game itself, we got off to a reasonable start, but very quickly found difficulty finishing what were otherwise good offensive series. PEI had difficulty early, but mid way through the first quarter, found their rhythm. The first quarter ended with us leading 18-13. Jaime Dale was our only player to drain a 3-pointer in the quarter to finish with 5 points. The second quarter was riddled with turnovers and even poorer finishing around the hoop, leading to only 8 points in the quarter. PEI dropped 18 points to pull within 1 point at the half, 32-31. Dale finished the half with 8 points to lead our team. Melissa Campbell led UPEI with 13 points. The third quarter was pretty much a continuation of how the second quarter ended. We struggled to take care of the basketball, continued to be out-rebounded and struggled to find the hoop. Late in the quarter we trailed by 14 points, before we came to life. Our defense began to stiffen, allowing us to get out on the break. Further we became more aggressive taking the ball all the way to the hoop, providing us with the opportunity to get to the foul line. Trailing by 3 points with less than a minute to play, Teddi Firmi makes a great drive, finishing a tough layup and drawing the foul. She completes the old-fashioned 3-point play to tie the game, only to have PEI come down and score on another offensive rebound. Our ensuing offense led to an Amanda Northcott drive that was doubled teamed. Regardless, Northcott was able to get a shot off, have it go in, and be fouled. Not able to convert the foul shot, PEI had their last crack at offense, but turned the ball over with six seconds remaining. PEI pressed us in the full court, leading to a Jaime Dale driving layup that did not fall. We managed to get the offensive rebound, but could not convert on the put back. So the game ended in a tie - we shook hands and headed for the airport. Rookie Brittany Moore led all Q's scorers with 12 points, including two 3-pointers.