The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s basketball team (16-5) clinched first place in OUA East division, squeaking out a 60-51 overtime win over the host York Lions (5-16) on Friday night (Feb. 13) at the Tait Mackenzie Centre. 

With the win, the Blues secured a first-round bye in the 2009 OUA playoffs and will host the lowest remaining seed following Wednesday’s playoff action next Saturday at 6 p.m. in the Athletic Centre Sports Gym. 

With the loss, the Lions fell out of playoff contention and will not see post-season play for the first time since the 2003-04 season.

Toronto got out of the gates early and led 15-10 after one quarter, but York buckled down defensively, returning the favour in the second and built a 24-22 halftime lead. The Lions then outscored the Blues 18-13 in the third quarter and seemed poised to upset the Blues and be the first team to blemish the perfect 2009 record. 

However, the Blues would settle down and put on a defensive display of their own in the fourth quarter, forcing key turnovers and making the Lions take some tough shots deep into the shot clock. 

The Blues held the Lions to just six fourth-quarter points and scored the tying basket before the final buzzer sounded to send the contest into overtime.

The Blues continued their defensive dominance in the overtime session and scored more than enough points to put the game out of reach and secure their 12-straight victory. 

The Blues were led by the 17 points and five rebounds performance of fourth-year guard Alaine Hutton (Burlington, Ont.). Nicki Shutz (Toronto) was also impressive for the Blues, notching her 12th double-double of the season with 16 points and 12 rebounds. 

The Lions were led by the 15 points and 11 rebounds of veteran guard Tara Minicuci (Richmond Hill, Ont.). Laura MacCallum (Paris, Ont.) was the only other Lion to register double figures in points as she scored 11 points on a cold 4-of-18 shooting and was responsible for seven costly turnovers. 

Both teams struggled to make shots, shooting under 30% from the field.

The Blues close out the regular season on the road Saturday, February 14 as they visit the Laurentian Voyageurs. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.