Acadia tops Dal 78-53

(Halifax, N.S.) – The Acadia Axewomen went on a 16-5 run to end the first quarter and didn't look back, topping the Dalhousie Tigers 78-53 on Saturday night at the Dalplex.

Four players finished in double-figures for Acadia, led by guard Chanel Smith (Halifax, NS) and forward Alexandra Berry (Yarmouth, NS), who both tallied 15 points. Guard Diedre Alexander (Woodstock, NB) also had 15 for the Tigers.

With the win, the Axewomen advanced to 9-9 while Dalhousie fell to 3-16.

Both teams came out hot in the first quarter, with the Axewomen shooting 50 percent from the field, while the Tigers shot 40 percent.

The Tigers took a 9-5 lead early, before Acadia erupted offensively, taking a 21-14 lead into the second quarter. Rebounding was a critical factor, with the visitors holding a plus-five advantage while not surrendering a single offensive board to Dalhousie.

Acadia continued their momentum on the offensive end in the second quarter, taking a 41-28 lead into the break. Four different players recorded at least six points – led by guard Paloma Anderson (Phoenix, AZ) – who had eight points in the quarter and 12 in the half.

The Tigers were paced by centre Claire Hickman (St.John's, NL) who was strong in the post, recording nine points.

Both teams picked up their defence after the break, with just nine combined points scored in the first five minutes.

Free-throw shooting was a key factor after three quarters, with the Axewomen going 13-of-16, while Dalhousie – despite forcing some critical fouls – went just 5-of-14 from the line and trailed by 15 heading into the fourth quarter.

Acadia continued to play hard on the glass in the final 10 minutes, allowing just 11 points and nine offensive rebounds overall to close out the game. Forward Kelsey Rice (Beaver Bank, NS) led the way with 16 boards.

Both teams are back in action on Friday. The Tigers will host UPEI, while Acadia welcomes Memorial.