The Lancer women's basketball team opened up their OUA season at the new Toldo Lancer Centre, hosting the Western Mustangs on Tuesday evening. In a closely contested game, Windsor dropped a 65-64 decision to the visiting Mustangs.
 
STATS
Maggie Denys led the blue and gold with 14 points, while Reine Ndome led defensively with 12 rebounds, including 10 defensive rebounds.
 
The visitors were led by Ariane Saumure with 24 total points while Brett Fischer had 8 total rebounds.
 
GAME FLOW
In the opening minutes of the game, the Lancers got off to a quick start, keeping the Mustangs on their toes as the blue and gold wanted to establish an assertive approach from the start. Trailing late in the quarter, Sofia Kennedy hit a pair of threes to help close the gap with three minutes to go. However, the Mustangs were quick to respond and Windsor trailed 25-12 at the end of the first.
 
The second quarter had the blue and gold take the advantage of the home crowd to bring the energy up and help grab some more offensive opportunities. With the positive support, multiple players including Denys, Harriet Carey, Ndome and Isabella Anes had success going for the triple, leaving the Mustangs unresponsive. They shot an outstanding 80% from the three point line frame in the first half compared to the Mustangs 30.8%. Windsor led 41-39 at the half.
 
After the intermission, Windsor went on to extend their lead as the physicality and foul calls increased between the teams as they battled for possession. Denys continued to dominate offensively going on a one-on-one breakaway to the other side of the court for a basket and contribute another two points onto the board. The blue and gold also had Anes and Ndome track down rebounds to put in a tough defensive effort with players diving across the court for the ball. The Mustangs would work their way to close the gap, cutting the blue and gold's lead by one. Heading into the fourth, the Lancers would maintain their lead, 48-47 against the Mustangs.
 
The final quarter had both teams on edge as they went up and down the court fighting for every scoring opportunity. Western's guard, Ariane Saumure would make a impact on both sides of the ball, challenging the Lancers at every turn on the court. The clean shots from Western would cause a turnover however Windsor was not ready to give up just yet. With 7.4s to go, Windsor held the ball and a foul was called on Western for the Lancers last chance to close out the game down by 2. Unfortunately, things did not play out in Windsor's favour and the Mustangs took the narrow 65-64 victory.
 
UP NEXT
The Lancers face the Algoma Thunderbirds in Sault Ste. Marie for a weekend doubleheader. They tip-off at 6:00pm on Friday, November 4th & 4:00pm on Saturday, November 5th. Catch the live-action on OUA.tv.