EDMONTON, AB - Third-year Huskie guard Gage Grassick called bank and game with a buzzer-beating three to lead the Saskatchewan Huskies to a stunning 62-59 opening night victory over the Alberta Pandas Friday evening at the Saville Centre.
It was a remarkable finish to a relatively quiet game through three quarters. Alberta led from the opening tip all the way until the end of the game, where they gave up their first lead of the game thanks to Grassick's three. In what was looking like a relatively large road defeat for the Huskies got nullified by an incredible 20-3 fourth quarter run, led largely by Grassick and Maya Flindall - the latter scoring a quarter-high six points.
Fifth-year Alberta guard Jenna Harpe led the way for the hosts, scoring a game-high 21 points and added four assists and three steals. Forward Claire Signatovich was also impressive for the Pandas, with the reigning Canada West Defensive Player of the Year scooping up 17 boards and adding nine points.
The first half was dominated largely by the Pandas, as a stymieing full court press and efficient offence was enough to get the hosts into the half with a 42-32 lead. Harpe was huge in the first half, and was instrumental in an early 10-1 run that set Alberta up for a comfortable lead for the majority of the game.
After a close third quarter, the Huskies entered the fourth down 56-42 - their second largest deficit in the game. Enter Flindall, Grassick, and a strong Saskatchewan bench who outscored the Pandas 20-3 in the final frame which included an incredible 16-0 run to finish out the game. This included Grassick's three, which was off an inbounds pass with four seconds left in which she took a dribble to her left and hit an arching three that banked in right as the clock hit zero to silence the Saville Centre crowd.
NEXT UP
The Huskies and the Pandas are back in action on the court on Saturday afternoon at 5:00 PM. Game can be streamed live on CanadaWest.TV.
An Evening with Kate Beirness
On Tuesday, November 7, the University of Saskatchewan and Huskie Athletics are hosting an evening with Kate Beirness. This momentous event is in support of Huskie women's athletic scholarships towards the development of future leaders. Tickets are $125 and include appetizers, cocktails, and the program with Kate. Get your tickets now at HuskieTickets.com.
