Queen's vs. Western October 28, 2007

Gaels worn down by Western
Queen's 44, Western 61
By Dave Wilson

Despite the outcome, there were some very bright spots in this game. We started the game very well, particularly from the defensive perspective. Our intensity was at a level that was completely absent the day before, forcing Western into numerous turnovers and poor shot selection. We were able to convert some turnovers into points, going up 12-0, 7 minutes into the quarter. Western settled down and managed to grab an offensive rebound to score their first basket as "second-chance points." Our ability to sustain the pressure began to waiver a bit as finished the quarter up 16-8. In the second quarter, Western began to move the ball better, as our pressure varied, from very intense, to mediocre. Late in the second quarter, a lapse lead to 6 quick points from Western, but we still held on to a 28-24 lead. Sarah Barnes scored more than half of our points with 15 at the break. We opened the third quarter poorly, and Western erased our lead in the first four minutes, and grabbed a lead of their own. Our shooting woes from the previous day continued, as we could not knock down the open shot. Western gave us few opportunities for second-chance points as they controlled the boards very well. At the same time our pressure defense was waning - a bad combination. Scoring only 8 points in each of the final two quarters on 20% shooting was disappointing. Sarah Barnes was the only Q's player to reach double figures, finishing with 19 points.

On the bright side, we have seen what we are capable to doing on defense. Further, I am confident our shooting touch will return.