ALGONQUIN 76, ST. CLAIR 47

HAMILTON, Ont. - The Algonquin Thunder put their undefeated season on the line in their semi-final matchup versus the St. Clair Saints on Friday at the belairdirect OCAA Women's Basketball Championship in the David Braley Athletic and Recreation Centre.

A very skilled, fast-striking Algonquin team had their offence clicking in the first half, giving the Saints trouble on defence. The Thunder's Sandre Bascoe used her length and scoring touch in the lane to help her team go into halftime with a 42-21 lead.

A bright spot for the Saints was the play of their six-six forward, Jessica Gordon. Gordon was one of the few Saints that could muster any consistent offence, earning some second chance points after hauling in a couple of offensive rebounds.

A Bascoe layup ended a 7-0 St. Clair run to start the second half. The Saints matched the Thunder offence for offence in the third quarter but couldn't keep pace with the high-tempo scoring of Algonquin. The Saints were a step slow on defence often allowing the Thunder forwards to sneak in behind them for easy layups, eventually losing 76-47.

Algonquin has now won their first two games by 30 and 29 points respectively.

The player of the game for Algonquin was Felicia Mazerolle, whom led the game with 20 points. She also added three rebounds and three assists. Bascoe chipped in with 18 points, 12 boards, and a helper. St. Clair's player of the game was Kendyl Rizea, whom scored eight points, had 11 rebounds, and one assist.

St. Clair will now play Sheridan for a chance to play for a bronze medal on Saturday while Algonquin awaits the winner of the Mohawk-Humber semi-final to see whom they will face for the ultimate prize.

Championship Website: www.mohawkcollege.ca/athletics/ocaawbballchampionship.html

OCAA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

Thursday, February 27
Quarter-Finals
Game 1 - St. Clair 64, St. Lawrence-K 61
Game 2 - Algonquin 73, Fanshawe 43
Game 3 - Mohawk 64, Durham 50
Game 4 - Humber 67, Sheridan 55

Friday, February 28
Bronze Quarter-Finals
Game 5 - St. Lawrence-K 59, Fanshawe 51
Game 6 - Sheridan 69, Durham 61
Semi-Finals
Game 7 - Algonquin 76, St. Clair 47
Game 8 - Mohawk vs. Humber - 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 1
Bronze Semi-Finals
Game 9 - St. Clair vs. Sheridan - 9 a.m.
Game 10 - Loser Game 8 vs. St. Lawrence-K - 11 a.m.
Bronze Medal Match
Game 11 - Winner Game 9 vs. Winner Game 10 - 5 p.m.
Winning team presented OCAA Bronze Medal at conclusion of match
Gold Medal Match
Game 12 - Algonquin vs. Winner Game 8 - 7 p.m.
OCAA Gold and Silver Medals presented at conclusion of match

Source: Mohawk College