At War Memorial Gym this past Saturday, UBC women’s basketball pulled off an 80–66 victory over the University of Alberta Pandas, in the T-Birds' first Canada West (CW) semifinal appearance since 2020.
Though the second-seeded T-Birds got off to a rocky start against the third-seeded Pandas, a 35-point third quarter and thrilling second-half play gave UBC the win.
Keira Daly — recently named to the CW all-rookie team — led UBC’s offence with 22 points and 9 rebounds. She was supported by all-star teammates Olivia Weekes (13 points and 14 rebounds) and Mona Berlitz (10 points and 9 rebounds).
Every ‘Bird who stepped on the court earned points, while only four Pandas scored throughout the game. The team-wide effort showcased the skill of the UBC team.
“We have people that can play and incredible depth at all of our spots, even including our players not dressed,” said head coach Isabel Ormond.
The first quarter began with a bang. Berlitz drove to the net then got a hook pass to Daly, who made a jumper for a quick UBC score. Sara Toneguzzi initiated UBC’s offence and hustled on defence. She closed out the quarter shooting free throws, narrowing Alberta’s lead to 19–15.
The Pandas dominated the second quarter. Alberta’s Claire Signatovich made a floater in the first minute of the second quarter and, in the sixth minute, forced a UBC shot clock violation. But the ‘Birds didn’t give up. In the next minute, Berlitz intercepted a pass then made a layup to put the score at 28–18.
By halftime, UBC trailed 33–22.
Determined to win, the T-Birds turned the game around in the second half. They capitalized on second chances, earning 15 second-chance points and 26 rebounds.
“We talked a lot about bringing the energy, especially on defence, because our defensive energy really impacts our offensive energy,” said Daly.
Daly set the tone to start the third quarter, scoring with a strong drive to the net. In the fourth minute, Daly was fouled while shooting and made the three-point play, putting UBC one point behind Alberta at 37–36. After several lead changes, the T-Birds started to pull away near the end of the third. With seconds left in the quarter, UBC’s defence forced a turnover and Daly made a major three to claim a 57–48 lead going into the break.
The Thunderbirds continued their intense play in the fourth quarter. Weekes grabbed an offensive board for a basket in the second minute, marking the end of a 12–0 scoring run for UBC. Jessica Clarke was all over the court in the sixth minute, making a free throw, two rebounds and a basket to extend UBC’s lead to 73–58. Berlitz earned the Thunderbirds’ last points of the night, drawing a foul and making both free throws to end the game at 80–66.
The win sends the 'Birds to their first CW championship since 2015, where they will face defending champions, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.
“Knowing both teams in that finals are going to have qualified [for Final 8], we need to figure out what we need to work on before the tournament starts, and it's your last in-game opportunity to do so,” said Ormond.
The championship game is on Saturday, March 8 at 3 p.m. PST in Saskatoon.
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